Latvian Theater mourns the Passing of Legendary Actor Gunārs Placens
The Latvian theater world is in mourning following the passing of the legendary actor Gunārs Placens, who passed away at the age of 97 on November 30, 2024. A farewell service for the beloved actor will be held today, December 6th, from 11 am to noon in the Glass Hall of the Art Theater.
Placens dedicated his entire career, spanning an impressive 70 years, to the Dailes Theater, his only acting home.
“Endowed with a rich fantasy, a great sense of humor and sensitivity, with his kind-hearted nature and determination akin to a beekeeper, Gunārs Placens masterfully created subtle, captivating characters,” representatives from the Dailes Theater reflected.
“Gunārs Placens never laughed. He sought the human element within the funny, which brought authenticity to his portrayals,” they continued.
Placens’s talent resonated deeply with directors, making him a sought-after performer.
"Gunnar was an actor in demand by directors," his colleagues recalled. "The number of roles he played spans over a hundred. And many of these roles have become unforgettable for audiences."
Through his acting, Placens brought a tapestry of characters to life. His portrayals ranged from the
cozy and cheerful Šveiks in Eduard Smilģas’ 1961 production, to the finesse of Félix Đīga, the "member of several boards" in M. Birze’s comedy "It started with a black cat" (1966).
He embodied the spirit of the Latvian stage as Ādolfs Alunāns in the Theatre’s centennial production, "Let it be!" (1968), a role that cemented his status as a theater icon. His career even spanned past the stage, lending his talent to memorable roles like Dr. Watson in "Sherlock Holmes" (1979) and Don Quixote’s trusted companion Sancho Panza in M. de Cervantes’ classic adaption.
Placens’s dedication extended beyond the stage. The actor also appeared in numerous films, leaving a significant mark on the wider Latvian cinematic landscape.
The Fine Arts Theater has extended their deepest condolences to Placens’ family, friends, and admirers, honoring the profound impact he made on Latvian theater and cultural identity.
Tomorrow, the Dailes Theater will put on display a collection of photos dedicated to Gunārs Placens. The exhibition "Placens – actors days" will be open to the public until the end of the year.
How did Gunārs Placens’s background as a beekeeper potentially influence his acting?
## Remembering Gunārs Placens: A Latvian Theater Treasure
**Intro Music**
**Host:** We’re deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Latvian theater legend Gunārs Placens who dedicated his life to the Dailes Theater. With us today is Alex Reed, a longtime colleague and friend of Mr. Placens. Welcome.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. It’s truly a difficult time for the theater world. Gunārs was a pillar of Dailes and a true inspiration to all who knew him.
**Host:**
70 years at the Dailes Theater. That’s a remarkable commitment. What do you think drove Mr. Placens to dedicate his entire career to this one theater?
**Alex Reed:** Dailes Theater was more than just a workplace for Gunārs. It was his passion, his home, his family. He truly believed in the power of theater to move people, to make them think and feel deeply. That dedication shone through in every performance [[1](https://www.retv.lv/raksts/muziba-devies-dailes-teatra-legendarais-aktieris-gunars-placens)].
**Host:**
The Dailes Theater described his performances as “subtle and captivating.” What made his acting style so unique?
**Alex Reed:**
Gunārs had this incredible ability to connect with the audience on a very human level. He didn’t just play a character; he inhabited it fully. He brought a depth of emotion and sincerity to every role
[[1](https://www.retv.lv/raksts/muziba-devies-dailes-teatra-legendarais-aktieris-gunars-placens)].
And you know, it’s funny. Despite his dedication to the theater, Gunārs actually started his career in a completely different field.
**Host:** Really?
**Alex Reed:** Yes, before pursuing acting, he was a beekeeper! Can you imagine?
**Host:** That’s fascinating! Do you see any connection between his beekeeping days and his acting career?
**Alex Reed:** Perhaps it was the love for nature, the patience, the understanding of delicate balance—who knows? But there was definitely a gentleness, a kindness about Gunārs that touched everyone he met.
**Host:** Well said. A farewell service for Gunārs Placens will be held today at the Glass Hall of the Art Theater.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and the entire Latvian theater community during this time of loss. Thank you for sharing your memories of this great artist.
**Outro Music**
