Leila Abashidze 1929 – 2018

Biography

Leila Abashidze was born on August 1, 1929, in Tbilisi, Georgia, during a formative period in the nation’s cultural development. She grew to become a multifaceted artist whose contributions spanned acting, directing, and writing—disciplines that allowed her to shape Georgian cinema and storytelling for decades.

Throughout her career, Abashidze worked as an actress, film director, and writer, roles that reflected her deep artistic passion and versatility. Her work contributed to the rich cultural heritage of Georgian film and literature, leaving an imprint on audiences and fellow artists alike. She remained connected to her native Tbilisi throughout her life, rooting her career in the city of her birth.

On April 8, 2018, Leila Abashidze passed away in Tbilisi at the age of 88, following a stroke. Her final resting place is the Saburtalo Pantheon in the Vake district of Tbilisi, a cemetery that honors Georgia’s notable cultural and intellectual figures. Her legacy endures through the body of work she created across film, theater, and writing—a testament to a life devoted to artistic expression and Georgian culture.