Victor Rebengiuc, a renowned Romanian film and stage actor, is also recognized for his involvement in civil society activism. Born on February 10, 1933, he is known in full as Victor-George Rebengiuc. With a career spanning over six decades, Rebengiuc has been a member of the prestigious Bulandra Theater company since 1957, taking on more than 200 roles on that stage alone.
Rebengiuc's breakthrough performance in Liviu Ciulei's The Forest of the Hanged catapulted him to stardom, making him a prominent figure in Romanian cinema. His iconic role in Stere Gulea's Moromeţii, released in 1986, further solidified his position in the industry. He has also collaborated with acclaimed directors such as Dan Piţa and Lucian Pintilie, appearing in numerous films that have received critical acclaim.
As a stage actor, Rebengiuc has worked with renowned directors like Ciulei, Radu Penciulescu, Andrei Şerban, Cătălina Buzoianu, Yuri Kordonsky, Gábor Tompa, and Alexandru Dabija. His personal life is marked by his marriage to Mariana Mihuţ, his colleague at the Bulandra Theater, and his previous marriage to actress Anca Vereşti.
Rebengiuc's experiences under the communist regime have given him a unique anti-communist perspective. As a result, some of his 1980s films were censored or banned by the government. In 1989, he played a significant role in the Romanian Revolution, storming the Romanian Television building alongside others to broadcast the downfall of Nicolae Ceauşescu and the end of communist rule.
As a public figure, Rebengiuc has been vocal about his opposition to political forces that he believes perpetuate the regime's legacy in modern society. He has also called for the retrospective condemnation of communism. With a brief career in politics, Rebengiuc has since dedicated his time to endorsing non-governmental organizations, using his platform to promote positive change.