Not so long ago special energy was surging through the corridors of the national television building: four legendary actors who during the last decades impressed on the memory of each and every theatre and film enthusiast, gathered in our house. One of them was Danilo Benedičič, and we had a short conversation.

During his rich career as an actor Danilo Benedičič represented a number of exemplary figures, and he still regularly follows the achievements of his actor colleagues on stage, but from the audience. He was awarded the Sever award (1974) for his work, the Borštnik award for achievements in acting (1976), the Prešeren fund award (1980) and the highest Slovenian acknowledgment for an actor – the Borštnik ring Award (1989).

Benedičič, who was born in Tržič, stayed with Drama for the entire duration of his entire official career as an actor, from 1957 to 1996, and he continued to act later as well, and simultaneously enhanced his experiences on the film, as many of his actor colleagues. As a pensioner he is not resting either – he keeps physically fit by walking, and likes to read – a lot.

He actively follows the happening in Drama, where he is a regular visitor. “I go to the theatre regularly, and they invite me to every performance or last rehearsal – they invite all retired colleagues."

It often happens they are staging theatre pieces in which he acted during his long and rich career. “Kaligula was staged recently – and I acted in it 40 years ago, together with Štefka Drolc. I was surprised how different it was from our performance – it seemed like another play! It often happens; the theatre is changing.”

"I never craved special performances"
When asked if all his professional wishes had been fulfilled during his career, he answers that in his life he has never wished for anything in particular. “From the very beginning in 1957 I had so much work, so many engagements, that it satisfied me completely. I never craved any special performances. I did wish to act some roles, and I did. But quite often I was more successful in roles I never expected to act very well,” he remembers.

The best memories are connected with the birth of his children
His most favourite memory is, however, not connected with the stage, but with his family. “There must be several, but one of the best moments was the birth of my son, and later of my daughter. Those were the most beautiful things to me, followed by births of my grandchildren, and now even a grand-granddaughter. Those were the best moments of my life.”