Rikard Ljarja Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Movies, Parents, Awards, Ethnicity

Rikard Ljarja was one of Albania’s most respected actors, screenwriters, and writers of the post-war generation.

Known for his deep voice, expressive face, and intellectual intensity, he starred in many classic Albanian films and authored novels and plays critiquing society with sharp irony.

Often called the “Albanian Jean Gabin,” Ljarja left an enduring mark on Albanian cinema and literature until his death in 2020.

Profile

• Full Name: Rikard Ljarja
• Stage Name: Rikard Ljarja
• Born: 1, April 1943
• Date of death: 20, April 2020 (Aged: 77 years old)
• Birthplace: Shkodër, Albania
• Nationality: Albanian
• Occupation: Actor, Screenwriter, Writer
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Partner: Marieta Ljarja (ex)
• Children: Elia Ljarja
• Relationship: Dating
• Net Worth: $500,000 at death

Early Life and Education

Rikard Ljarja was born on 1 April 1943 in Shkodër, Albania, into a Catholic family. He kept details of his parents and siblings private. From childhood, he showed talent in literature and performance, participating in school theater and writing poetry.

After high school, he moved to Tirana to study acting at the Higher Institute of Arts (now the University of Arts), graduating in 1965 alongside many future legends of Albanian theater and film.

Ljarja is of Albanian ethnicity and was raised Catholic, though he later distanced himself from religious practice.

Career

Rikard Ljarja began his professional career immediately after graduation, joining the ensemble of the National Theatre in Tirana and later the “Skampa” Theater in Elbasan.

His film debut came in 1967, but his true breakthrough arrived with the 1972 drama The Injured Road (Rruga e lënduar), followed by iconic roles in The Great Offensive (1975), The Lady from the City (1976), and especially General Gramophone (1978), where his portrayal of a disillusioned officer became legendary.

He excelled at complex, often morally ambiguous characters that reflected the contradictions of Albanian society under communism.

Parallel to acting, Ljarja established himself as a screenwriter and novelist. After the fall of communism he wrote acclaimed satirical novels such as A Godforsaken Place Around Here (1996) and Josifopedia (2006), which offered biting commentary on the Hoxha regime and post-communist chaos.

He also penned several screenplays and continued acting in films and television well into the 2000s, including the popular series Njerëz dhe fate.

Rikard Ljarja remained active until his final years, appearing in theater productions and giving interviews that combined humor with profound insight.

He received numerous national honors, including the title “Merited Artist” and later “Grand Master” of Albanian culture. His dual legacy as both a cinematic icon and a fearless literary voice continues to influence younger generations of Albanian artists.

Social Media

Rikard Ljarja did not have personal social media accounts.

Personal Life

Rikard Ljarja spent most of his life in a committed relationship with actress Marieta Ljarja, though the couple never formally married. They had one daughter, Elia.

Known for his wit and love of literature, Ljarja lived modestly in Tirana, surrounded by books and close friends from the artistic community.

He passed away on 20 April 2020 in Tirana after a long illness, leaving behind a nation in mourning for one of its most beloved cultural figures.

Filmography

• The Injured Road (1972)
• The Great Offensive (1975)
• The Lady from the City (1976)
• General Gramophone (1978)
• The Circle of Memory (1986)
• The Weight of Time (1990)
• Njerëz dhe fate (2001–2002, TV series)
• The Forgiveness of Blood (2011, minor role)

Net Worth

Rikard Ljarja’s net worth was estimated to be under $500,000, at the time of his death in 2020. Like most Albanian artists of his generation, he earned modest state salaries during the communist period and only limited income from book sales and occasional acting roles afterward.