The legendary Flojd, the loveable Prle, charismatic Džimi Barka, the city slicker Urke, the hair-raising Vlah-Alija… They all have one thing in common – a man named Dragan Nikolić, the man who gave them life, limitless charm and a cheerful spirit. Because of these and many other roles, famous lines and because of his committed work, this legend of Serbian cinematography will be remembered forever.
On a summer’s day, in 1943, Belgrade became richer for one little boy with big eyes and a sweet smile. On a rainy day in March, 73 years later, Belgrade lost an acting legend and a great man. However, the deeds of great men can never fade away. This is why this acting veteran will forever have his place in our hearts.
Dragan Nikolić was born on the 20th of August 1943 in Belgrade. He graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts and started his acting career in 1964 with a role in the movie “Pravo stanje stvari”.
In his half a century long career, this famous actor brought life to more than 180 movie and television roles. However, the thing that set Dragan Gaga Nikolić apart from all others was charisma, charm and unique 
acting skills. He lived and breathed his roles, seemingly without any considerable effort, with a one of a kind energy and with immaculate power of suggestion, thus raising the bar of Serbian cinematography.
His first important role was that of a season worker with questionable morals in Živojin Jovanović’s movie “Kad budem mrtav i beo” (1967). He received a diploma at the Pula Festival in 1968, for this role as well as for the one he played in the movie “Tri sata za ljubav” (1968).
As an actor he matured, and in the process added a number of winning portrayals of his generation’s characters, which, in 1985, brought him The Belgrade October Award for the “creative ability to portray a character with a great psychological span” in the movie “Život je lep”.
His main and supporting roles he played in more than 30 movies. The audience remembers him most for his roles in the cult movies such as “Bube u glavi“, “Nacionalna klasa”, “Ko to tamo peva”, “Balkan ekspres”, “Banović Strahinja”, “Poslednji krug u Monci” as well as for those in the television series “Otpisani” and “Povratak otpisanih”.
Nikolić won a plethora of awards, and in 2000 crowned them with a „Pavle Vuisić“ Award, an award given to actors to recognize their life achievements in the acting world.
Today, after a long and difficult illness, Dragan Nikolić, aged 73, lost this arduous battle. Nonetheless, this is not the final goodbye with this famous actor. His enormous influence, unique take on things, great talent, skills, charm and humour will live on eternally through the lines of the many characters he played.
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