10 wise quotes from legendary actor Bohdan Stupka about life, love and Ukraine

Today, on August 27, the legendary theater and film actor Bohdan Stupka would have turned 83 years old. The heart of the actor, who always sought to develop and popularize Ukrainian culture, stopped due to a serious cancer.

Throughout his career, the Shevchenko Prize winner demonstrated a high level of professionalism that inspired and admired people of all ages. His wise, sometimes metaphorical, statements have influenced the consciousness of his fellow citizens in one way or another. OBOZ.UA decided to recall the best quotes of the Ukrainian theater legend that reveal his true personality.

Bohdan Stupka's special attitude to the stage could be seen not only during performances. The celebrity never missed an opportunity to compare real life with theater, revealing hidden meanings to the public.

"Western critics say that Eastern European theater is much more interesting than Western European theater. And we are told that we are nothing and worthless. We need to want to see and hear, not to be influenced by advertising and someone else's opinion."

The actor was also distinguished from others by his unique, warm attitude to life, every moment of which he learned to appreciate.

"Life is too short to wake up in the morning complaining. So, love those who treat you with respect, forgive those who are wrong, and know that everything in this world is fleeting..."

"You have to be in love all the time. Not only in a woman, not only in a chestnut tree, not only in a city. You have to be in love with everything in life. And you have to be happy. You have to learn to be happy."

Ukraine also held a special place in Bohdan Stupka's heart. He always tried to convey an important message to the younger generation: there is no better place in the world than the Motherland. No wonder the actor was accused of being "crazy about his Ukrainians".

"My dream in life was that Ukrainian culture would become known all over the world. Dreams must come true, and I am happy that I have the opportunity to contribute to this."

"I have seen the majestic Amazon, but the calm majesty of the Dnipro River takes my breath away... The luxury of Versailles impressed me, but I prefer the cozy beauty of the Massandra Palace in Crimea... I have seen many other things, but I love Ukraine. And I believe you do too!"

"The main thing that a Ukrainian should understand is that he is unique because he is free!"

The artist never hid his open contempt for overconfident and arrogant people. He valued hard work and was convinced that progress exists only through doubt.

"Like Franco, I am a workaholic. In my youth, I dreamed of being a rentier, but I have been working all my life. It's a nightmare. I get to the theater and I can't go home even to have lunch. It's so addictive. You sit here all day. You think, talk to people, analyze."

"If you believe that every step you take on stage is great art, it's a disaster! Only doubt brings progress."

"Do your job honestly, with your heart, and yours will come to you... But this does not mean that golden mountains will appear tomorrow."

"You have to be able to rejoice in the success of others, and to suppress envy and pride in yourself because they do not lead to good."

Throughout his life, the Shevchenko Prize winner was incredibly proud of the culture of his native land, so he not only shared his achievements with the public but also skillfully recited the work of his colleagues.

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