National mourning in the Republic of Moldova, at the death of the actor Gheorghe Urschi. “He made a whole country laugh, and now he leaves behind a whole country in tears”
The Republic of Moldova is in mourning after the death of Gheorghe Urschi, a reference actor and humorist, who disappeared at 78 years old after a long suffering. Maia Sandu decided to institute national mourning on the day the funeral takes place.
Gheorghe Urschi died at the age of 78. PHOTO: FB/Maia Sandu
The Republic of Moldova is in mourning after the death of the actor and humorist Gheorghe Urschi, one of the most important figures of theater and comedy in the Romanian cultural space beyond the Prut. The artist died on Monday, April 13, at the age of 78, after a long period of suffering caused by a stroke suffered in 2011.
The Chisinau authorities announced that the day of the funeral will be declared a day of national mourning, as a sign of respect for his artistic contribution. The decision was communicated by the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, who also sent a public message of condolences.
“The Republic of Moldova lost a great artist today – master Gheorghe Urschi. Entire generations grew up and found themselves in his humor, in the performances and monologues through which he brought light and truth to the stage. He made an entire country laugh, and now he leaves behind an entire country in tears.” wrote Maia Sandu on Facebook.
The head of state also emphasized the cultural and moral role of the artist, showing that he remained a symbol of free spirit and intelligent humor: “Gheorghe Urschi always carried in his heart the love for the people and the values that unite us. He knew how to talk about our pains and achievements with sincerity and humor. Free spirit, but deep in his observations, he managed to bring people not only smiles, but also hope“.
A battle with the disease for over a decade
According to the information provided by the family, Gheorghe Urschi died after 14 years of health problems, following a stroke suffered in 2011. Recently, his condition had worsened, and last week the artist's daughter announced that he was hospitalized in a serious condition at the “Timofei Moșneaga” Republican Clinical Hospital.
The death was announced on Monday, April 13, the second day of Easter and the first day of Holy Week, in an emotional message on social media.
“After 5,422 days of fighting for life, his treacherous body released his soul. Receive him, Lord, into Your peace and light. There his wife will take care of him.” the family said.
A career dedicated to the stage and humor
Born on January 18, 1948, in the village of Cotiujenii Mari in the district of Soldănești, Gheorghe Urschi studied acting in Moscow and began his career at the “Luceafărul” Theater. Over the decades, he has become one of the most beloved figures of the stage, both as an actor and as a director.
He played in numerous shows and signed the direction of well-known productions, including “The Nameless Star”, “Toys of Steel” and “The Game of Love and Chance”. He also produced shows, concerts, and literary works, from short stories and poems to film scripts.
Among his cinematic creations is the film “Văleu, văleu, nu turna”, one of the most famous comedy productions in the Republic of Moldova.
Throughout his career spanning over 40 years, Gheorghe Urschi has been awarded numerous titles and prizes. In 2012 he received the title of “People's Artist”, in 2014 he became an honorary citizen of Chisinau, and since 2019 he has been a laureate of the National Award.
His disappearance leaves an important gap in the culture of the Republic of Moldova, where Gheorghe Urschi was considered a defining figure of humor and modern theater, through his creations the artist managed to combine comedy with social reflection and became a distinct voice of several generations.
