On September 21, 1931, in Râmnicu Vâlcea, a child was born who would become one of the fundamental figures of Romanian theater and cinema. Dem Rădulescu, nicknamed “Bibanu’” (“the Perch”), earned a place not only in the hearts of audiences, but also in Romania’s cultural memory. Twenty-five years after his passing, his destiny deserves to be revisited: from a childhood marked by war, to the struggles of his youth, and finally to the glory of the stage and his role as a mentor to entire generations of actors.

The birth of a nickname and an unusual path to the stage

The nickname “Bibanu’” followed him all his life and, although it sometimes brought a smile, at other times it weighed heavily on him. It all began with his father, a fishmonger, who once brought home a perch.

The story quickly spread to school, where teachers and classmates attached the name to the Rădulescu family. Later, when Dem entered university, his friends revived the nickname, and its echo burst out like an explosion among his colleagues.

But before being conquered by the stage, the young man from Vâlcea first went through the boxing ring. The sport gave him the courage to face life and trained in him the reflex to “strike first.”

That energy later transformed into a comic and dramatic force that surprised audiences with every appearance. Yet he himself admitted that beyond talent, it was obsession with work and strict discipline that shaped him as an actor.

Childhood in the shadow of war and first fascinations with theater

His childhood years were marked by harsh images, difficult to erase. The trains filled with Jewish and Polish prisoners passing through Râmnicu Vâlcea’s station, or the Russian prisoner displayed in the town square, all left indelible marks on his memory. And yet, young Dem managed to transform that cruel reality into a source of humor and sensitivity.

His first contacts with theater and film were born of curiosity and unstoppable passion. He would sneak out of the house to attend shows at the “Adreani” Theater or go to the cinema.

There he saw Constantin Tănase perform, there he devoured films without worrying about the punishment waiting at home. At the age of 15, he stumbled upon the book The Art of Drama in his school library — a discovery that confirmed his destiny.

The road to Bucharest and consecration in theater

Encouraged by actor Aurel Rogalski, Dem Rădulescu auditioned for the Theater Institute. The emotions were overwhelming, and the episode of him wearing a sports medal on his chest during the exam made the evaluators laugh out loud. But his talent was undeniable. He was admitted, and after four years of intense study graduated as valedictorian.

At the National Theater, he came under the guidance of director Sică Alexandrescu, whom he considered “a second father.” He debuted in The Rabid Lamb and gradually won over audiences through his stage presence and authentic interpretation.

Soon, he was performing alongside Radu Beligan, Emil Botta, Aura Buzescu, and George Calboreanu, thus becoming part of a golden generation.

Between professor and mentor. A life dedicated to the theater school

Alongside his acting career, Dem Rădulescu became a professor at IATC, where he remained until the end of his life. He was a demanding but deeply committed teacher.

He carefully selected students, unwilling to risk his reputation by endorsing mediocrity. For many young actors, he was not just a professor but also a mentor, a supporter, and a source of inspiration.

Actress Adriana Șchiopu, his former wife, recalled how Dem was touched when students affectionately called him “Bibanu’,” because he felt the closeness between generations.

In contrast, when the nickname was used ironically by some colleagues, it hurt him deeply. This duality revealed just how sensitive the actor truly was behind his seemingly robust comic energy.

A complex personality: between timidity and strength

The public image of Dem Rădulescu — a jovial, lively actor — contrasted with the man behind the scenes. He was a perfectionist, obsessed with correctness, and of what he called a “painfully sensitive” nature.

He enjoyed applause but preferred discretion. He liked to walk through Bucharest at night, when the chances of being recognized were minimal.

In interviews, he described himself as shy, quick-tempered, and sometimes authoritarian. This mix of fragility and strength created an authentic artist, capable of turning every role into a living experience for the audience.

“My career was built with my health and my life. I play theater out of love,” he confessed shortly before his death.

From stage success to recognition as an institution of comedy

Director Liviu Ciulei once said of him that he was not just an actor but “an institution of comedy.” The statement captures the unique status that Dem Rădulescu achieved.

He acted in essential plays, as well as in some of the most beloved Romanian films, winning over a wide public — from lovers of classical theater to cinema-goers.

Whether in The Nameless Star or in the comedies of the ’70s and ’80s, his appearances were moments of collective joy. The laughter Dem Rădulescu provoked was pure and liberating, yet behind that mask stood an artist of profound seriousness.

The legacy of a great comedian and actor

Dem Rădulescu left behind not only memorable roles but also generations of actors trained under his guidance. He was aware of the influence he had and of his responsibility toward the future of Romanian theater. He imposed high standards of professionalism, rejected compromises, and advocated for authenticity.

Even his nickname, “Bibanu’,” which at first seemed playful, eventually became a symbol of his stage power. Adopted by Bucharest and adored by the public, “Bibanu’” remained in collective memory not just as a nickname, but as a stage name synonymous with talent, passion, and dignity.

25 years without Dem Rădulescu

Today, a quarter of a century after his passing, Dem Rădulescu remains an emblematic figure. His life was a continuous struggle between fragility and strength, between the desire for anonymity and the inevitable glory of a great actor.

Bucharest adopted him, the public loved him, and the Romanian stage still carries his memory as one of the most important creators of emotion and laughter.

Dem Rădulescu was more than an actor: he was a lesson in professionalism, a testament that success is built through work, discipline, and boundless love for art. In his absence, Romanian theater is poorer, but his memory continues to inspire and shine, like a star that never fades.

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