Kadri Roshi

Born in Ballsh, Mallakastër, Albania, Roshi faced significant hardships from a young age. He lost his mother at the age of 2 and became an orphan at 12 following his father's death.^[3] In his quest for survival, Roshi moved through various Albanian cities, including Vlora, Kavajë, Gjirokastër, Durrës, and finally Tirana. During this period, he undertook various jobs such as a port laborer, maintenance worker, and cinema ticket seller.^[4]

Roshi's passion for acting was ignited by his primary school teacher, leading him to join the People's Theater in Tirana at the age of 21. He began as a prompter and quickly rose to prominence, becoming a central figure in Albanian theater.^[5] In 1947, he was granted the opportunity to study in Zagreb, Croatia. However, due to political tensions between Yugoslavia and Albania, he transferred to Prague, Czech Republic, where he completed his studies with distinction.^[6]

Throughout his illustrious career, Roshi portrayed approximately 215 roles in theater and film. Some of his notable film appearances include: Tana, Gjeneral Gramafoni, Ballë për ballë, Kolonel Bunker etc.^[7]

Kadri was married to Drita Taho^[8] and they had a son, Kliti Roshi^[9] who is also an actor of Albanian film and stage, and a daughter named Ermira who is an opera singer.^[10]

Roshi died on 6 February 2007 at the age of 83 in Tirana.^[11] His legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to inspire and influence Albanian actors and audiences alike.^[12]