Today, the renowned comedy actor Vasillaq Vangjeli would have celebrated his 77th birthday. Honor and respect for his legacy!

Albert Vataj

The Albanian tradition of comic art is undoubtedly one of the treasures of our national culture. The long journey of this value-laden relationship and representation is the aspiration of many distinguished personalities, among whom we take the opportunity to highlight Vasillaq Vangjeli. More than just an appreciation for his work and contribution to enriching this tradition, this remembrance is a heartfelt tribute on the anniversary of his passing. Vasillaq Vangjeli was and remains, immortalized in the pantheon of Albanian stage art, a voice and a characteristic, a profile and a trait—unique. This uniqueness is essential in art, and he brought it to life on stage.

Vasillaq Vangjeli is primarily known as a comic actor. Born on February 19, 1948, and passing away on September 26, 2011, he left this world before reaching 64, after a long battle with diabetes. For more than 45 years on stage, Vangjeli performed in over 100 roles in theater, film, and variety shows.

During his third year of medical school, Vasillaq Vangjeli left his studies to enroll in the Higher Institute of Arts (1973-1975). After graduation, he was sent for training in theater. Initially part of the National Theater, he was later transferred to the State Variety Show as a comic actor. From 1976 until April 1, 2005, he was both an actor and director in the variety troupe, also performing in Tirana’s Estrada Theater. Even before this, he had been active in the State Estrada since 1967-1968, during the tenure of director Bujar Kapexhiu.

For nearly 45 years, with keen intuition and admirable spontaneity, Vangjeli won over countless spectators, becoming one of the most beloved artists—especially in humor and theater. He was one of the most important artists of Tirana’s Estrada, performing in almost every premiere. His broad artistic range included a strong vocal presence, absolute pitch, humor, and recitation skills. A tragicomic actor with great artistic qualities, deep insight into characters, and remarkable finesse—these are some of the defining traits of Vasillaq Vangjeli. Humor is not something taught in school; it is a natural talent that can only be refined. And such was the case with Vasillaq.

Humor was part of his essence from birth. As a young man, after finishing the Academy of Arts, he faced challenges in securing a job. Passionate and eager to perform, he aspired to join the National Theater. He was even given a role in the play “Lëvizja”, directed by Pirro Mani, which he executed successfully. However, the ruling party decided otherwise and assigned him to the Tirana Estrada, despite protests from theater artists who wanted to keep him in their troupe. Vasillaq was reluctant but had no choice; he feared being exiled to a remote cultural center as punishment for refusing orders. Thus, he became an actor in Tirana’s Estrada, where he remained until its well-deserved closure.

At first, Vasillaq did not embrace variety theater. He worked without enthusiasm, missed rehearsals, and performed without passion. But eventually, he fell in love with the stage, humor, instruments, and parodies. The Estrada became the place where he fully expressed his creative energy and talent. His value was measured by his many roles—fresh, high-quality, and full of wit. He performed in over 100 roles in variety shows, theater, and film. Audiences remember him as Koçi the groom in “The Lady from the City”, in “A Rooster in the Coop”, “A Boaster Afraid of a Cow’s Moo”, “The Scarecrow”, “Don Quixote”, or the tragicomic clown Lolo, interpreted with subtle nuances.

He played numerous roles in the Estrada, such as in the vaudeville comedy “Mirelo”, Xhixh, “Unmarried at 50”, as well as in various sketches and parodies. At the time of his passing, he was working on a role in the comedy “Harvey”, directed by Hervin Çuli. Future plans included directing a variety show and receiving more invitations from the National Theater. However, Vasillaq was no longer a full-time professional actor at any institution.

Like the entire Tirana Estrada troupe, he was forced into retirement assistance. He turned his home into a gathering place where he entertained guests—friends, colleagues, and fellow actors. Even there, he never abandoned humor, always telling jokes, real or imagined stories. “It’s part of the profession,” he would say.

CREATED by:

“KORÇA BOOM”