A career that spanned music, stage, and film, he remains the only Romani individual to hold the title of People's Artist of the USSR, awarded to him in 1981.
Early Life and Theatre Entry
Born in 1934 in the Belgorod region, Slichenko experienced the disruptions of World War II, which included the death of his father in 1942. Following the war, his family relocated to a Romani collective farm situated in Voronezh Oblast. In 1951, he joined the Romen Theatre in Moscow. He initially worked among the auxiliary staff before securing a leading role in 1952 at age eighteen, substituting for an ailing performer in a production held in Zagorsk, now known as Sergiyev Posad.
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During his tenure at the Romen Theatre, Slichenko performed in more than 60 different roles. His professional footprint extended to the screen, where he appeared in various popular films including Wedding in Malinovka, Under the Rain and the Sun, and My Island Is Blue. To transition into leadership, he attended the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts, completing higher courses for directors in 1972 under the guidance of Andrey Goncharov. By 1977, he assumed the role of chief director at the Romen Theatre.
Recognition and Legacy
Slichenko accumulated numerous state honors throughout his life. He received the title of People's Artist of the RSFSR in 1975 and the USSR State Prize in 1987. His later years were marked by several awards, including the Order For Merit to the Fatherland 4th class in 1994, 3rd class in 2004, and the Order of Friendship in 2014. He also received the Russian Federation's Government Award in 2013. He passed away in 2021 in Moscow and is buried at the Troyekurovskoye cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1934, Belgorod
- Died: 2021, Moscow
- Education: Russian Institute of Theatre Arts
- People's Artist of the USSR: 1981
- Primary Theatre: Romen Theatre
- Burial Site: Troyekurovskoye cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Nikolai Slichenko's primary contribution to the Romen Theatre?
He served as an actor for over 60 roles and later became the chief director of the institution in 1977.
Did Slichenko receive any significant state honors?
Yes, he was recognized with the USSR State Prize, the Order of Friendship, and multiple classes of the Order For Merit to the Fatherland.
Achievements
- Order of Honour — 2009
- Order of Friendship of Peoples — 1984
- Order of Friendship — 2014
- Worked as actor, theatre director and singer
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