Ljubiša Samardžić, acclaimed Yugoslav actor, dies at 81

Ljubiša Samardžić, one of the most beloved actors in Yugoslav and Serbian cinema, passed away in Belgrade on September 8, 2017, at the age of 81. He left behind a legacy of over one hundred roles and numerous awards.

Samardžić battled an aggressive brain tumor diagnosed in 2014. Despite undergoing surgery and intensive oncological treatments in Germany and Italy, he chose to keep his medical struggle private to focus on his work. He passed away surrounded by his family.

His personal life was marked by significant tragedy, including the death of his son, Dragan, from leukemia at age 34. During this difficult period, Samardžić directed the film ‘Nebeska udica’, which achieved international success by entering the main competition at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2000. Per his wishes, he was cremated and laid to rest in the family tomb alongside his son.