Eternally young, eternally heartbreaking villain: Valery Leontiev turned 70

Valery Leontiev easily deceives time. It's hard to believe that he's already turned seventy. The famous pop singer and songwriter was born on March 19, 1949, and although he had much more chances to become a reindeer herder, he became a show business star in spite of everything.

Valery Leontiev was born in the family of a reindeer herder in the village of Ust-Usa in the Komi Republic. As a child, Valery was a creative person — he sang in the school choir, studied in the drama club, was fond of drawing and dancing.

Leontiev in his youth, after the hobby became a profession, Leontiev changed many occupations: from a weaver-lubricator at a flax spinning factory to a helper at a brick factory.

In the early 70s, Valery Leontiev worked as a laboratory assistant at the Research Institute of Foundations and Underground Structures, and on April 9, 1972, his first solo concert took place at the Palace of Culture of Miners and Builders of Vorkuta. In the same year, he won the regional Song-72 competition in Syktyvkar, after which there were more competitions and solo performances in philharmonic halls.

In 1979, Valery Leontiev, after graduating from the Leningrad Institute of Culture, began a difficult path to the big stage, which was very successful: winning competitions, airing on television, working with famous composers (Raymond Pauls, Alexandra Pakhmutova, Igor Krutoy), after which the singer received national recognition.

Pop singer Valery Leontiev. 1982in 1981, a ban was imposed on Leontiev's concerts in Moscow — the administration of concert venues was not satisfied with his extravagant appearance.

A year later, Leontiev had a tumor removed in his throat, so there was even a question whether he would be able to continue singing.

Valery Leontiev in the 80s of 1983, in the television program "Song of the Year", the song performed by Valery Leontiev "Hang Gliding Flight" was first performed, which later became a Soviet disco hit.

Valery Leontiev himself was initially unenthusiastic about this addition to the repertoire. In his opinion, the music was not for the voice. But, as time has shown, in his performance, the song has gained incredible popularity and has become the hallmark of the singer for decades.

Valery Leontiev and Igor Nikolaev without a mustache. 1985, the singer also starred in films, and not only in cameo roles.

In the mid-80s, director Nikolai Mashchenko decided to make a feature film about Jesus Christ. Many even laughed at how the man who directed the film "How Steel was Tempered" decided to take up Jesus. And he was interested in the trial of Christ — the film was supposed to be called "Jesus Christ. The court". The project was never implemented. And one of the reasons, they say, was the rejection of the role of Valery Leontiev, who successfully passed the test.

In the 80s, the singer successfully auditioned for the role of Jesus, but refused to shoot. The beginning of perestroika allowed the artist to preserve his unique image and become even more successful: tours abroad, official recognition, awards and titles began.

Valery Leontiev, 1987, In addition to his shocking appearance, Leontiev also amazed with bright concert shows.

At the same time, Leontiev created unusual stage costumes and dance numbers himself.

Valery Leontiev, December 12, 1993 During his musical career, the singer has recorded more than 30 albums, many of which have sold millions of copies.

Valery Leontiev held the title of singer of the year for 11 consecutive years, from 1980 to 1991, as well as in 1996 and 1997; he was a permanent contender for this nomination for 21 years. Both of these records have not been broken by anyone yet. He is a five-time winner of the Russian National Ovation Award and an eight-time winner of the Soundtrack Award.

Valery Leontiev and top model Christy Tarlington, Leningrad, 1990, Despite rumors of numerous affairs, Leontiev is constant in his personal life:

Leontiev met his future wife Lyudmila Isakovich back in 1972.

Valery Leontiev and his wife Lyudmila Isakovich in the 80s, Valery and Lyudmila do not have single children, but the press has repeatedly attributed children to him "on the side".

The singer joked in response: "I have more sons than Lieutenant Schmidt."

Valery Leontiev and his wife have been together for 45 years, it is not known for sure when Valery Leontiev first lay down on the operating table to change his appearance.

Presumably, this happened in the 90s, when the plastic surgery industry began to actively develop in our country. If you look closely at the photos taken during this period, you can notice changes in the upper part of the face. Most likely, the artist did circular blepharoplasty of the eyelids.

Valery Leontiev then and now it is obvious that he devotes a lot of time and effort to his appearance.

He prefers to rejuvenate in a clinic located in Miami, which is also visited by other Russian stars, such as Laima Vaikule.

In the 2000s, Leontiev repeatedly got into the lenses of the media, striking with his crazy fashionable images.

Singer Valery Leontiev performs at a festive concert dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the State Kremlin Palace. In 2011, one of his important achievements, in addition to songs, Leontiev considers a sports figure.

He really looks much younger than his years and often admits in interviews that doctors, after examining him, say that he has the body of a 45-year-old man.

The artist regularly goes in for sports and does not drink alcohol. Leontiev claims that his youthfulness is not so much the merit of plastic surgeons as his incredible self-demanding and self-discipline.

Valery Leontiev spends several hours in the gym and on the treadmill. And then he goes to a rehearsal or concert — and there he also gives his best.

Valery Leontiev at the Kubana music festival in the village of Veselovka, Krasnodar Krai, 2014, the artist is very mobile and during the performance loses an average of 1.5-2 kg in weight: he runs, jumps, dances, rushes around the hall.

The singer impresses with his hard work and good form and at the same time is categorically not going to leave the stage, as he has repeatedly said.