Zane Daudziņa to Be Awarded the Order of the Three Stars: 'I Thought It Was an April Fools' Joke'

Key facts

• Zane Daudziņa, born November 6, 1967, is a Latvian actress.
• She will be invested as an Officer of the Order of the Three Stars at Riga Castle on May 4.
• Daudziņa first learned of the award from a late-night news broadcast on April 1 and initially dismissed it as a prank.
• Her husband, actor Vilis Daudziņš, and her mother, Velta Goba, were the first to celebrate the news.
• Her mother had dreamed the previous autumn that Daudziņa would receive the Order of the Three Stars.
• Daudziņa's memoir 'Bērnudienas Komunālijā' has already gone into a second printing.
• She has two sons, whom she describes as highly educated men.
• Daudziņa has stated she now feels in control of her own life: 'I am finally my own mistress.'

A Surprise Announcement on April Fools' Day

When Zane Daudziņa saw the news flash on the evening of April 1 that she had been awarded the Order of the Three Stars, she refused to believe it. 'I couldn't take it seriously at all! I thought: April Fools! – and went calmly to bed,' the actress recalled. The following morning, however, the announcement was published across nearly every news portal in Latvia, confirming that the Order of the Three Stars – the country's highest civilian honor – had indeed been conferred upon her. The Order of the Three Stars is awarded by the Chapter of Orders for outstanding service to the nation. Daudziņa will be formally invested as an Officer of the order at a ceremony at Riga Castle on May 4, the eve of Latvia's independence restoration anniversary. The timing ties the personal honor to a national commemoration: 36 state decorations were announced in the same period leading up to the anniversary.

A Family Celebration Rooted in a Dream

The first people Daudziņa told were her husband, Jaunais Rīgas teātris actor Vilis Daudziņš, and her mother, Velta Goba. Her mother, now 87, was overcome with emotion and revealed that she had dreamed the previous autumn that her daughter would receive the Order of the Three Stars. 'I see it as a gift to my dear mother,' Daudziņa said. The actress emphasized that the honor reflects the strength of her family. 'It is also about me, about Vilis, and about our mothers. In our family, we are a strong support for each other, and now that our mothers are 87, it becomes even more natural – to be on the same page, we must all stick together,' she explained. A wise friend once told her, 'Behind every successful man stands a strong woman, and behind every successful woman stands another strong woman.'

A Career on Stage and Screen

Born on November 6, 1967, Zane Daudziņa is one of Latvia's most respected actresses, known for her work at the Jaunais Rīgas teātris and for her role as Helēna in the long-running television series 'UgunsGrēks.' The show recently resumed filming, and Daudziņa has spoken about her admiration for the character. She has also participated in the reality adventure series 'Ārpus zonas' (Outside the Zone), whose second season recently wrapped filming in the mountains of Tajikistan. Her memoir, 'Bērnudienas Komunālijā' (Childhood in the Communal Apartment), has already gone into a second printing since its release. The book recounts her early years and has resonated widely with readers. Daudziņa has also appeared in the musical competition show 'Koru kari' (Choir Wars), where one choir was eliminated during a recent hometown-themed evening.

Personal Reflections: 'I Am Finally My Own Mistress'

In recent interviews, Daudziņa has spoken about a new sense of autonomy. 'Now I am finally my own mistress, I am allowed to regulate my own life,' she said. She has also reflected on her participation in 'Ārpus zonas,' admitting, 'I naively thought it could turn back the wheel of life toward youth...' The show, which features celebrities undertaking extreme challenges, has been renewed for a second season. Daudziņa has also shared that her husband once saved her from the 'jaws of death,' though she did not elaborate. She takes pride in her two sons, who she says have become highly educated men. Among the more unusual gifts she has received from fans are cottage cheese and braided items, which she mentioned in a lighthearted moment.

Broader Context: State Decorations and National Anniversaries

The announcement of Daudziņa's award comes as Latvia prepares to mark the anniversary of the restoration of its independence. On the same day, 36 state decorations were announced, including the Order of the Three Stars, the Order of Viesturs, and the Cross of Recognition. The awards are decided by the Chapter of Orders and are traditionally conferred around national holidays. Separately, the country is engaged in a heated debate over the Istanbul Convention. The Farmers' Union (ZZS) has stated it will not change its position on the convention, while new protests against withdrawal are planned for Thursday. President Edgars Rinkēvičs has promised to carefully evaluate the Saeima's vote to withdraw from the treaty. A delegation of GREVIO experts is also scheduled to visit Latvia.

What Comes Next: The Investiture and Beyond

Daudziņa's formal investiture as an Officer of the Order of the Three Stars will take place at Riga Castle on May 4. The ceremony is expected to be attended by family, colleagues, and dignitaries. Asked whether she is having a new dress made for the occasion, Daudziņa hinted that she is preparing something special, though details remain under wraps. Looking ahead, Daudziņa continues to balance stage, screen, and literary projects. The second season of 'Ārpus zonas' is set to air, and 'UgunsGrēks' remains in production. Her memoir's success suggests a growing public appetite for her personal story. For Daudziņa, the order is not just a personal milestone but a tribute to the family that has supported her throughout her career.

The bottom line

• Zane Daudziņa will be invested as an Officer of the Order of the Three Stars on May 4 at Riga Castle.
• She learned of the award on April 1 and initially thought it was an April Fools' joke.
• Her mother had dreamed of the honor the previous autumn, adding a personal layer to the recognition.
• Daudziņa's memoir 'Bērnudienas Komunālijā' has gone into a second printing, indicating strong public interest.
• The award is part of a broader set of 36 state decorations announced ahead of Latvia's independence restoration anniversary.
• Daudziņa has expressed a newfound sense of autonomy, stating she is 'finally her own mistress.'