Moldova marks national mourning as Gheorghe Urschi is laid to rest
April 15 was declared a day of national mourning in the Republic of Moldova in honour of the late master Gheorghe Urschi. On this day, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all institutions across the country and at diplomatic and consular missions abroad, acknowledging master Gheorghe Urschi's significant contributions to our culture and national identity. The funeral ceremony will be held at the "Nicolae Sulac" National Palace, and the so-called "King of Humor" will be laid to rest at the Central Cemetery on Armenească str.
The funeral ceremony will begin at 10:00 AM at the "Nicolae Sulac" National Palace.
At 12:00 PM, a moment of silence will be observed in memory of the artist. The funeral is scheduled for 2:00 PM at the Central Cemetery on Armenească str.
Additionally, today's government meeting started with a moment of silence in honour of Gheorghe Urschi.
Actor and comedian Gheorghe Urschi made a significant impact on the artistic scene over several decades. He was honored with the titles of People's Artist, Laureate of the National Prize, and Knight of the Order of the Republic. For many, he is a beloved figure, associated with shows that have connected entire generations.
Since early this morning, people have gathered in front of the "Saint Teodora de la Sihla" Church to pay their last respects to the master, bringing flowers and observing moments of silence to say goodbye. A steady stream of admirers, colleagues, and those who appreciated his work has formed.
The divine service began at 8:00 AM. After it concluded around 9:45 AM, the funeral procession will depart for the "Nicolae Sulac" National Palace.
The official funeral ceremony will begin there at 10:00 AM, with a moment of homage at the start of the program. A mourning rally is scheduled for 12:00 PM, followed by the farewell procession.
After 1:00 PM, the funeral cortege will proceed to the Central Cemetery on Armenească str., where the burial ceremony will take place at 2:00 PM.
Special editions on Moldova 1, Moldova 2 and Radio Moldova
In memory of the master Gheorghe Urschi, the Teleradio-Moldova company will broadcast, throughout the day, archive programs dedicated to the artist's life and work.
On the morning of April 15, during the "Bună dimineața" show on Moldova 1, actor and director Vitalie Rusu recalled the moments spent with Gheorghe Urschi, evoking his spontaneity and exceptional talent.
The artist talked about a sketch that became famous, filmed years ago right on the set of the show, for which Urschi brought the text just an hour before the recording.
"I said to him: let's rehearse something. He replied: why do we need nine rehearsals? Is it clear what we're talking about? Then, let's go", Rusu reported.
According to him, the moment was filmed in a single take, without breaks, with extensive improvisation.
A memorable episode was marked by a line that became symbolic. "I told him: you have talent! And he answered me: yes, I have talent, but I have no country", the actor recounted, emphasizing the profound dimension of the message conveyed by Urschi.
Vitalie Rusu highlighted the significant impact that Gheorghe Urschi had on the public, particularly in rural areas. Together with colleagues such as the late Gheorghe Pârlea, he produced Miniature Theatre productions that drew entire communities to the shows.
"The village wouldn't come to the show until it saw the Miniature Theatre. It was a phenomenon from all points of view," Rusu stated.
He also discussed the financial difficulties artists faced during that time. Their remuneration was often minimal, with some performances compensated simply with food items.
"They would give us oil, once, I was offered three sacks of wheat. I traded them for a duck," he recounted.
In the same context, Rusu criticized how recognition of artists' contributions often comes too late.
"Honors, when they are given, usually come after the actors have passed away. These should be awarded during their lifetime, especially when they face hardships," he emphasized.
Furthermore, he noted that artists are often used for political purposes while not receiving genuine support afterward.
"We are like scaffolding: we help to erect a 'building,' and then we are removed," concluded Vitalie Rusu.
Born in 1948 in Cotiujenii Mari, Gheorghe Urschi has had an impressive artistic journey, from his studies at the renowned "Boris Șciukin" School in Moscow (graduated in 1970), to the stage of the "Luceafărul" Theatre.
His versatile career has included acting, directing, writing, and television, making him an emblematic figure through the Miniature Theatre and memorable tours alongside great artists such as Gheorghe Pârlea and the Aldea-Teodorovici couple.
State recognition came through the highest-ranking distinctions: the "Order of the Republic" (2008), the title of "People's Artist" (2012) and the National Award (2019).
Master Gheorghe Urschi suffered a stroke and has been unable to speak since then.
Gheorghe Urschi remains a moral and artistic landmark, his work being today an integral part of the national cultural heritage.
