Leonid Yengibarov facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Leonid Yengibaryan
Born	March 15, 1935 Moscow, Soviet Union
Died	July 25, 1972(1972-07-25) (aged 37) Moscow, Soviet Union
Resting place	Vagankovo Cemetery, Moscow
Nationality	Armenian
Occupation	Clown and actor
Partner(s)	Jarmila Galamkova
Children	1

Leonid Yengibarov (born March 15, 1935 – died July 25, 1972) was a famous Soviet Armenian clown and actor. He was known for his special style of clowning that made people think and feel, not just laugh. Many called him 'the clown with sad eyes'.

A Life in the Spotlight

Leonid Yengibarov was born in Moscow. His father was Armenian, and his mother was Russian. Before he became a clown, he was a boxer. In 1955, he decided to join the State School of Circus Art. He studied in the clown department.

He learned many amazing skills at circus school. These included juggling, acrobatics, and balancing on his hands. After finishing school in 1959, he moved to Yerevan. There, he joined the Armenian state circus.

Statue of Leonid Yengibarov in Tsaghkadzor

Leonid Yengibarov on an Armenian stamp from 2011

Leonid Yengibarov was one of the first clowns in the Soviet Union to create a new kind of clown act. It was called "poetic, intellectual clownery." This meant his performances made the audience think deeply, not just laugh at silly tricks. He changed clowning by adding emotional and thoughtful moments to traditional funny acts.

At first, some people didn't quite understand his new style. But soon, he became incredibly popular. Because of his fame, he was invited to act in movies. His first film, A Path to the Arena, was actually about his own life.

By the late 1960s, Leonid was known as one of the best clowns in his country. He also became famous in other countries in Eastern Europe. In 1971, he left the State Circus. He then created his own group called the Variety Pantomime Troupe. He was not allowed to call it a "theatre," only a "troupe." He only managed to perform one show, "Star Rain," before he sadly passed away from a heart attack.

His unique work still inspires many artists today, including the famous clown Slava Polunin. His friend, the singer Vladimir Vysotsky, wrote a poem about him. The singer Alla Pugacheva also dedicated her song "Arlekino" to Yengibarov. She said, "He was my favourite clown and even died while working. Just think: he died from laughter."

Films and Tributes

Leonid Yengibarov acted in several films during his career.

His Films

Films About Him

• Please meet Leonid Yengibarov
• 2 Leonid 2

Awards and Recognition

Leonid Yengibarov received several honors for his talent:

• The E. Bass Cup (first prize) at the 1964 European Clown Competition in Prague.
• He was named People's Artist of Armenia in 1971.

See also

• Yerevan Circus