Dmitry Kharatyan – 60: how the actor overcame depression and stopped drinking

The famous actor of theater and cinema, People's Artist of Russia Dmitry Kharatyan turned 60 years old. At the moment, there are already more than 100 works in his filmography, he continues to act and participates in the continuation of projects that once brought him popularity: the Green Van was released on the screens. A completely different story", and soon the audience will see "Midshipmen-4".

Today Kharatyan is successful, in demand and popular, and the hardest times are behind him, although he still remembers this period with a shudder…

The debut role of Dmitry Kharatyan — Igor Grushko in the film "The Draw", 1976

The first high—profile popularity came to him too early - even in the 10th grade, he, along with his friend, was auditioning for Vladimir Menshov's film "The Draw" and unexpectedly got the main role for himself. The debut turned out to be not just successful, but triumphant: the whole country learned about Kharatyan, he became an idol for millions of Soviet schoolgirls.

Dmitry Kharatyan in the film "The Green Van", 1983

However, the young actor was not ready for such popularity at all. He confessed:

Dmitry Kharatyan in the movie "Muzzle", 1990

A shot from the movie "Midshipmen, forward!", 1987

Since then, such doubts have overcome him repeatedly. By luck and a happy coincidence, Kharatyan was inclined to explain his success 10 years later, when a new wave of popularity came to him after the role of Alyosha Korsak in The Midshipmen. After that, the role of a romantic hero was finally fixed for him. The girls sent him bags of letters and chased him everywhere.

A shot from the film "Midshipmen-3", 1992

Of course, popularity turned his head. The actor was everywhere asked for autographs, invited to various events, interviewed. For some time, Kharatyan enjoyed this success, partied all night long, began to drink too much, turning into a binge alcoholic. There was too much attention, it seemed that all the goals had been achieved, and it was unclear what to strive for next. And after that, disappointment and apathy inevitably came.

A shot from the movie "Queen Margot", 1996

And after 33 years, the body, exhausted by constant carousing, could not stand it — health problems began. Kharatyan experienced the midlife crisis in several stages. He first caught up with him at the age of 33. For 2 years, the actor was in severe depression, from which a psychotherapist helped him to get out. At 37 years old and at 42, the situation repeated itself.

Dmitry Kharatyan in the film "Midlife Crisis", 1997

In an interview on the threshold of his 40th birthday, Kharatyan confessed:

A shot from the TV series "Kamenskaya-1", 1999, sports and quitting smoking and alcohol helped the actor overcome the crisis. Since then, Dmitry Kharatyan has been leading a healthy lifestyle, does half-hour gymnastics every day, works out in the gym, plays tennis, swims a lot and can no longer imagine his everyday life without physical exertion. He is convinced that it not only helps to stay in good shape, which is very important for the acting profession, but also saves from depression and is the key to spiritual harmony.

Dmitry Kharatyan in the film "To You, the Real One", 2004

After 40 years, he came to understand: only in youth can you carouse without consequences — the body quickly regenerates itself, and in adulthood you need to pay much more attention to your health. According to Kharatyan, sport is simply necessary, as it disciplines, tones up and gives self-confidence.

People's Artist of Russia Dmitry Kharatyan

It was only over the years and with experience that the actor came to realize that the greatest value in life is family. He was officially married 2 times, but, according to him, in the first marriage he was not ready either for marriage, or for the birth of a child, or for the responsibility that appeared in connection with this. Then his acting career was in the foreground for him. In 1988 this marriage broke up. And only after the crises experienced, Kharatyan revised his views on life

Actor with his second wife, Marina Maiko

Dmitry Kharatyan has been staying with his second wife Marina Maiko for about 30 years. The secret of the longevity of their marriage, the actor calls common views on life, a joint business (in Krasnogorsk they opened a children's theater "Midshipmen's School"), mutual respect and even frequent separations, fueling mutual interest.

Dmitry Kharatyan, Mikhail Boyarsky and Nika Zdorik on the set of the film "Midshipmen-4", 2019 At the age of 50, Dmitry Kharatyan said that he had lost many illusions, and that at this age midshipmen for him are heroes of bygone days. He acknowledged that Alyosha Korsak had become his brightest movie image, but declared that he was not interested in remaining this hero all his life. And at 58, he suddenly decided to star in the sequel to "Midshipmen". Filming began in the summer of 2018, and ended in October 2019. The premiere is expected in 2020.

Mikhail Mamaev, Dmitry Kharatyan and Alexander Domogarov on the set of the film "Midshipmen-4", 2019

Today, looking at his photos, it is very difficult to believe in the number "60" — he is still youthful, fit and charming. The actor himself is not afraid of these figures either.

A shot from the TV series "Green Van. A completely different story", 2019

Today Dmitry Kharatyan is no longer worried about the fact that for many he is associated primarily with Alyosha Korsak, because this role has become his calling card and has given the love of millions of viewers.