Soso Jachvliani Dies at 65: Georgia Mourns the Loss of a Famous Actor, Film Director, and Arm Wrestling Champion

Georgia is in mourning after the death of Soso Jachvliani, a famous actor, film director, former MP and president of the Armwrestling Federation, who passed away at 65 on February 8, 2024. Jachvliani was fighting a serious illness and his family confirmed his passing to the media. His death has sparked an outpouring of condolences and tributes from cultural institutions, officials, colleagues, fans and friends.
Who Was Soso Jachvliani?
Jachvliani was born on June 5, 1958, in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. He graduated from the State Institute of Physical Culture in 1978 and the State Institute of Theatre and Film in 1991, as per his Facebook profile.
He was a renowned actor, film director, screenwriter and film producer, who starred in more than 20 films and directed four. He was also a world and European champion in arm wrestling, president of the Georgian Arm Wrestling Federation and a member of the Georgian Parliament from 2012 to 2016.
Soso Jachvliani was best known for his unforgettable performance in the film “The Wishing Tree” (1976), directed by the legendary Georgian filmmaker Tengiz Abuladze. The film, which depicts the life and customs of a Georgian village in the late 19th century, is considered a masterpiece of Georgian cinema and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1977.
Jachvliani played the role of Varlam, a young man who falls in love with a beautiful girl named Marita, but faces the opposition of her father and the village elders.

Jachvliani also appeared in other acclaimed films, such as “The Ascent” (1986), “Brother” (1988), “The Wisdom Gate” (1989), “Three Ears” (1991), “White Horses” (1993), “The Sun of the Sleepless” (1992), “Svani” (2007) and “Maita Nasosi” (2010). He was the director, screenwriter and producer of “My First Love” (2005), “Maniacs? Fanatics?” (2006), “Svani” (2007) and “Maita Nasosi” (2010). He won several awards for his work, including the Golden Eagle Award, the Golden Apricot Award and the Tbilisi International Film Festival Award.
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A respected and loved figure
Jachvliani was not only a talented artist, but also a respected and loved figure in Georgian society. He was involved in politics and sports, as well as in cultural and charitable activities. He was a deputy chairman of the Sports and Youth Affairs Committee, the deputy chairman of the Georgian Dream faction and a member of the Defense and Security Committee in the Parliament. He was also a member of the Supervisory Board of the Georgian Film Studio and a supporter of the development of Georgian cinema.
Poesía, imágenes vívidas y alegorías marcan las casi dos docenas de episodios de esta historia épica, sobre la vida humana y sus problemas. The Wishing Tree. Lika Kavjaradze, Soso Jachvliani, Zaza Kolelishvili. URSS. 1976. Dir. Tengiz Abuladze pic.twitter.com/DLHGAx1qU0
— Isaac Franco Galindo® (@galindo8724) October 8, 2022
Soso Jachvliani was a passionate sportsman and a champion in arm wrestling. He was the president of the Georgian Arm Wrestling Federation and represented Georgia in international competitions. He also promoted arm wrestling among the youth and organized tournaments and trainings. He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns and enjoyed celebrating the TX/OU weekend with his family and friends.
Jachvliani was a devoted father of two sons, Tuff and Lane, who were the joy of his life. He also had a large and loving family, including his mother Brandy, his brother Peyton, his sisters Jace and Kaylie, his uncle BJ, his aunt Coby and his nephews. He was close to his paternal grandparents, Lyndi and Joyce Elrod, who preceded him in death, as well as his maternal grandfather Billy Jack Jones. He also had many friends and colleagues who admired and appreciated him.
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A legacy to remember
Soso Jachvliani’s death has left a huge hole in the hearts of many Georgians who grew up watching his films and following his career. His legacy will live on through his work and his achievements, as well as through his sons and his family. He will be remembered as a versatile and beloved star, who brought joy and inspiration to millions of people.