The 83-year old Romanian actor Iurie Darie, who is currently in hospital after having had brain surgery, performed in over 40 film productions throughout his career and is part of a golden generation of actors in Romania. He shared the stage with other renowned Romanian actors of the same generation.

Born in 1929 in Soroca County, now part of the neighboring Republic of Moldova, Iurie Darie discovered his native drawing talent early on, as well as his talent for acting. So he signed up for both the Institute of Fine Arts and the Theatre and Film Institute, and he was accepted at both, but chose acting, having graduated in 1952. He learned from two great actors and teachers: Michael Smith and Marietta Sadova.

He has his debut in film the year after graduation, in 1953, in the movie “Nepotii gornistului” (Grandchildren of the bugler), directed by Dinu Negreanu, working on set with Marga Barbu and Liviu Ciulei. In 1969, he was chosen by director Mircea Dragan to play in the 'Brigada Diverse "(Miscellaneous Brigade), with other now famous Romanian actors: Toma Caragiu, Sebastian Papaiani, Dem Radulescu and Puiu Calinescu.

Iurie Darie played memorable roles in over 40 film productions, including “ Baietii nostri” (Our Boys- 1959), “S-a furat o bomba” (A bomb was stolen- 1961), “Vacanta la mare” (Seaside holiday-1962), "Dragoste la zero grade"(Love at zero degrees- 1964), "Atunci i-am condamnat pe toți la moarte"(Then I sentenced all to death-1971) and “Fratii Jderi” (Jderi Brothers-1974).

A highlight of his career was while working with the Comedy Theatre. Radu Beligan gathered a few actors and together they brought fame to the theater. Darie shared the stage with other well known Romanian actors: Gheorghe Dinica, Marin Moraru, Mircea Albulescu, Dem Radulescu, Sanda Toma, Vasilica Tastaman, Stela Popescu, Silviu Stanculescu.

Iurie Darie is also known for having performed in television programs for children, where he used his ability to draw, sometimes with both hands. He also organized tours around the country with his children shows.

The 83-year old is currently admitted to the Bagdasar-Arsenie hospital, where he had brain surgery to remove fluid in his brain after a stroke. He was shortly in a coma, but now he is stable.

Earlier this year, Darie received the Gopo award for the his entire career (in picture, together with his wife Anca Pandrea) and a star on  the local Walk of Fame in Bucharest.

Ioana Toader, ioana.toader@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Gopo Awards, photo credits Adi Marineci)