He appeared in numerous Slovenian and Yugoslav theater and film roles throughout his decades long career.[1] Known for his comedic work, Šugman's first appeared in the 1962 film, Tistega lepega dne (One Fine Day), which was directed by France Štiglic.[1] On television, Šugman appeared in monodramas, comedy series and children's shows.[1]
Šugman was a member of the SLG Celje Theater from 1958 until 1961 and the SNG Drama Maribor in Maribor, Slovenia, from 1961 until 1965.[1] He remained a member of the Mestno gledalisce ljubljansko (MGL) theatre, the Ljubljana city theater, for 27 years.[1]
Šugman's awards and honors included the Prešeren Prize, which is the highest Slovenian national award for lifetime achievement in the arts.[1] He also received the Borstnik Ring for lifetime achievement in the theater.[1] In 2001, Šugman was awarded the Jezek Award for his television achievements.[1] The Jezek jury noted his skill in expressing both humor and pain on screen.[1]
Zlatko Šugman died in his home in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 16 December 2008, at the age of 76.[1] His death was announced by the Mestno gledalisce ljubljansko (MGL) theatre.[1]
