Veriko Anjaparidze

Veriko Anjaparidze was an American actor best known for her roles in The Legend of Suram Fortress, Monanieba, and Repentance.

Personal and Family Life

Veriko Anjaparidze was born on October 6, 1900, in Kutaisi, which was part of the Russian Empire and is now in the Republic of Georgia. She was married to Mikheil Chiaureli until his death in 1974, and they had three children together. One of her daughters, Sofiko Chiaureli, was also an actress who greatly admired Sergei Parajanov.

Career Highlights

Known as the “Queen of Soviet theater,” Veriko Anjaparidze had a long and successful career in acting. While she did not achieve the same level of fame as some contemporaries like Nato Vachnadze, she was a prominent figure on stage from her twenties until her passing. Her memorable performance in the film Monanieba in 1987, where her character asked a victim of the Soviet regime, “Is this the way to the temple?”, resonated with audiences and became a symbolic phrase during Perestroika.

Death and Legacy

Veriko Anjaparidze passed away on January 31, 1987, in Tbilisi, then part of the Georgian SSR in the USSR. Her legacy continues through her impactful performances, especially her work in films that highlighted the struggles of the Soviet people. She is remembered not only for her contributions to theater and film but also for inspiring future generations of actors, including her daughter Sofiko.

Filmography