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"A life on stage and a rare man"/ Korça bids farewell to actor Koço Qendro

2026-07-05 12:35:00, Aktualitet CNA

"A life on stage and a rare man"/ Korça bids farewell to actor

Korça said its final farewell this Sunday to the prominent Albanian theater and cinematographer, Koço Qendro, who passed away at the age of 99, leaving behind an extraordinary artistic and human legacy.

Family, colleagues, artists, citizens, and art lovers gathered to honor him, while the funeral ceremony was held privately, in accordance with his last will and testament.

"A life on stage and a rare man"/ Korça bids farewell to actor

The deceased had requested that no public tributes or grand ceremonies be held, but rather a simple and modest funeral, as he had lived his entire life.

"One of the oldest actors passed away, of course, he was 99 years old. One of the actors who created wonderful characters passed away. One of the actors who worked tirelessly his whole life passed away. Of course, his symbol remains 'Koprac'. When Koço played Koprac, I played Kleanti. We were grown up boys, that is, this 'Koprac' has grown up for three years on stage. We remember him with great respect. He was a very good man, a very good actor and above all a character actor. With excellent characters, he has few, but he has many spicy ones. For me, he was a man ," said actor Kiço Kërri.

"Now I thank you for interviewing me. I was an officer and I have known Korça for 45 years. I met Koço when he came with the theater and since then we remained friends until the day he died. Every time I came from America, I would meet him and drink coffee together. I followed all his activities. Even at the age of 92-93, they called him to play 'The Miser'. I said to him: 'You retired, why do you continue?' He said to me: 'I am still energetic and I want to be with the younger generations.' He always advised me that my knowledge, work and behavior should have a positive impact on my family and the people around me and that humanity is more important than anything. I still apply these instructions in my family today," said Seladin Hoxhalli

Colleagues and associates remembered Koço Qendro as a model citizen, dedicated parent, rare artist, and the man who documented the history of Korça's theater and entertainment.

"A life on stage and a rare man"/ Korça bids farewell to actor

They praised his contribution to the Albanian scene, emphasizing that he remains one of the most important symbols of Albanian humor and theater.

"Talking about Koço means talking about the city's gratitude. And when we talk about the city's gratitude, it is the greatest honor that can be given to a prominent figure like Koço. We must see Koço as an exemplary citizen, as a dedicated parent, as a special artist, but also as a writer and historian. He made the history of theater and entertainment. Koço lived a long life and left many impressions not only for Korça, but for all of Albania and Albanians wherever they live. He was a talented comedian, he started with the sketch and ended with the comedy. Today I bow to this man who became a symbol for our city", said actor Andrea Pepi.

"It is a difficult day for all of us, his colleagues. Koçoja lived a relatively long life, but the most important thing is that he left behind his work and roles. He was one of the founding actors of the stage and theater. Like many other actors, he recognized brilliance on stage. He is one of the actors that the public loved and who is appreciated not only by the people of Korça, but by the entire Albanian public for what he leaves behind. May his soul rest in peace ," said Ligoraq Riza.

A special place in the memories of his colleagues was occupied by the interpretation of Harpagon in the comedy "Kopraci", a role that Koço Qendro returned to the stage even at an advanced age, proving that the passion for art knows no bounds. For his collaborators, he remains a great actor, but above all a noble man.

"Today we say goodbye to Koço Qendro, one of the most important figures in theater and film. We felt a great pain, because in a few months we would celebrate his 100th anniversary and we would be very happy to reach that day. I remember Frosinë that I played alongside him in 'Kopraci' and I was lucky to have had such a Harpagon. The audience remembers many of his roles in film, variety and theater. He was a brilliant character actor. But for me Koço was also a very good friend. He helped me in directing my work with his advice, in the theater archive as an excellent archivist and in my journey as an artist. I will miss Koço Qendro very much ," said actress Zamira Kita.

"A life on stage and a rare man"/ Korça bids farewell to actor

With the passing of Koço Qendro, Albanian art loses one of its greatest figures, while Korça passed on with simplicity, as was his legacy, one of the most important symbols of its cultural history. His name, roles and contribution will remain alive in the public's memory and in the history of Albanian theater. /CNA