He was born on January 20, 1934.
People's Artist of Russia. He has lived in Ulyanovsk since September 1972. At first, he worked as an artist of the Ulyanovsk Regional Philharmonic and the Ulyanovsk Regional Drama Theater, and since February 1992 - in the Historical and Cultural Center of Lenin. Anatoly Ivanovich Usttozhaninov is an actor and journalist. Almost all of his creative activity is associated with the name of V. I. Lenin, the image of which he embodied on the stage of theater, radio in cinema.
Many Ulyanovsk residents remembered films with his participation: "We are the Russian people", "Red Bells", as well as theatrical performances "Conversation for souls", "Ulyanovs", "Defender of Ulyanovs", "Kremlin chimes" and others.
Public performances of Anatoly Ivanovich - literary concerts, creative meetings deserve special attention. In one of the TASS correspondence it was written: “The performance of A. Ustyuzhaninov is a lecture, a concert, and a heartfelt conversation merged together.” In the magazine "Theatrical Life" No. 9 for 1974 - "The work of Ustyuzhaninov in various performances on the role of V.I. Lenin has become truly a phenomenon in the cultural life of Ulyanovsk", "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" dated April 23, 1999: "... presented by Anatoly Ustyuzhaiinov "Ilyich" fit into the cohort of the best ... the most reliable. The actor was talked about as a legend, a Russian superstar, followed by a lot of proposals, including from abroad, in Denmark, for example, where Anatoly Ustyuzhaninov had to play Lenin, Queen Margaret herself arrived to watch the play. The non-standard image for Soviet mythology, created by Ustyuzhaninov, was in demand even in our time, when any creatively meaningful Leninian seemed impossible.
Here are some famous actors in our country. Yuri Solomin in the newspaper "Izvestia" of August 14, 1983 wrote. "... how many truly outstanding actors in our country." Here is a brilliant example: Sergey Bondarchuk invited the famous actor Franco Nero to the role of John Reed and the non-capital actor A. Ustyuzhaninov in his film “Red Bells” and entrusted him with the image of V. I. Lenin! And they did what they called "the equals." For many years, Anatoly Ivanovich has been conducting constant and painstaking work on the study of Lenin’s heritage. It is distinguished by an amazingly careful attitude to Lenin’s word, journalistic brightness in the presentation of material and high artistry. Listening to him, sometimes you forget that you are sitting in the hall. He is so captivated by his story that it is as if you are next to Lenin, you listen to him personally - so say those who have ever experienced true Ustyuzhaninsky charm.
Today A. Ustyuzhaninova in her lectures-concerts speaks not only about Lenin. He talks about life, spirituality and morality, culture and patriotism. More than 5.5 thousand meetings with spectators and listeners took place in our city, region, throughout the country and abroad. He was heard in England, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Romania, Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands, Finland, Ethiopia, and other countries.
Anatoly Ivanovich conducts great work among young people. Its students are students of schools, lyceums, gymnasiums, schools, special educational institutions and universities. The government of the country appreciated the merits of Anatoly Ivanovich in the field of art. He was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, the jubilee medal "For valiant work". In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of V. I. Lenin, Certificates of Honor. In 1979 he was awarded the honorary title "Honored Artist of the RSFSR", and in 198Z - "People's Artist of the RSFSR".
Meetings with people of different generations - this is what Anatoly Ivanovich Ustyuzhaninov lived and lives. He still wants one thing - to be needed by his viewer, listener.