Viktor Zhusti, a well-known actor in Albanian theater and cinema, celebrates his 83rd birthday today.

He was born in Athens on December 8, 1942. Due to the war, his family returned to Albania with his father in 1943. Zhusti grew up in Gjirokastër. In 1963, he graduated as an actor from the Lice and later from the Academy of Arts.

After graduation, Zhusti became director of the cultural center in Gjirokastër. He served there until 1971. He then taught “Artistic Speech” at the Academy of Arts in Tirana. He worked there until 1997, when he moved to Greece.

Zhusti played many roles in film and theater. He portrayed both harsh partisans and tender fathers. In 1981, at the “People’s Theater,” he played Besimi in Ruzhdi Pulaha’s drama Communists. He also brought to life Qemal Stafa, a national hero, with heroic and elegiac tones.

In the comedy Rain on the Beach, Zhusti earned praise as Alberti. He also played Samiu in The Literature Teacher (1982), by Ruzhdi Pulaha.

In film, Zhusti has held about 10 main roles. He debuted in 1966 as Mark Dedina in The Light’s Commissar. He then played the partisan Jaho in The Green-Covered Mountains. He also appeared in Second November, Taulant Seeks a Sister (as Pirro, the father), When the Film Was Shot, and And Then a Day Comes.

After nearly 20 years, Zhusti returned to the “National Theater” in 2009. He played a sick patient in the comedy Everyone Has Habits.

Honored with the title “Merited Artist,” Viktor Zhusti continues to perform on the Albanian stage. He brings the same emotion, passion, energy, and vibrant temperament.

/a.c/