Famous Like Me > Actor > K > Viktor Klimenko
Profile of Viktor Klimenko
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| Name: |
Viktor Klimenko |
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| Also Know As: |
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| Date of Birth: |
24th November 1942 |
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| Place of Birth: |
Svetnavalka, Soviet Union |
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| Profession: |
Actor |
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From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia
Viktor Klimenko (born 1942) is a singer who made himself known as the "Singing Cossack". A few years after his birth in Karelia his family moved to Finland, where he became a noted musician and also appeared in several films, mostly playing himself. The Eurovision Song Contest 1965 was his first appearance outside of Finland. He didn't earn any points for his song, mostly because judges didn't like the lyrics.
In 1970, only five years later, a Europe-wide release, Stenka Rasin, containing Russian songs went gold on the Finnish market, the first record to do so in Finland. Later, it also went platinum. This success was followed by a decade of concerts and popular shows all over the world. Viktor had nine more gold records as well as one platinum.
However, by 1980, show-business and popularity had failed to bring him fulfillment; rather, they had driven him to the verge of breakdown. He was torn between beckoning world fame and his personal life, his family. He even considered a suicide. One night, right before Easter, he was ready to end his misery. At the last moment, he remembered how parents taught him to pray; he decided he would not lose anything if he asked God for help.
Re-branding himself as a Gospel-singer, he turned his life around, this time using his incredible talent to serve God through numerous Christian concerts. This change infuriated many unbelievers and many insisted that he has gone mad and started making fun of him; still do, in fact -- just see comments made by Cimon-avaro on a pogo-stick (maybe on a broomstick?!). This particular user claims that Viktor Klimenko is not even a Cossack -- well, please see his site at www.viktorklimenko.com -- there is a birth certificate clearly stating his Kuban roots.
This Cimon guy also claims that Viktor Klimenko created this page -- that's really stretching the truth!!! Viktor Klimenko never boasts about his talent. The person who is changing this page has nothing to do with promoting Viktor Klimenko -- just stating the truth.
Since then Viktor has turned to the spread of the Gospel. He is said to have an amiable manner and to be very approachable at concerts. Those who attended his concerts, will agree.
External link
- Official website (English version)
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It uses material from the Wikipedia article Viktor Klimenko
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