Renowned Actor and Educator Igor Zolotovitsky Dies at 64

On January 14, 2026, the world bid farewell to a cherished icon of theater and film, Igor Zolotovitsky. The sad news was reported by TASS, citing their sources. The rector of the Moscow Art Theatre School was 64 years old.

Battle with Illness

Igor Zolotovitsky was hospitalized on January 10 due to complications from cancer. He had been battling stomach cancer, which was diagnosed recently. Reports indicate that the Honored Artist of the Russian Federation was hospitalized three times before the New Year due to heart problems and a general decline in his health caused by the cancer. Igor Yakovlevich kept his illness private, not seeking help or making comments. The only sign of his condition was the cancellation of theater performances featuring him, about a month and a half before his passing. For instance, the Moscow Art Theatre named after Chekhov offered refunds for tickets to “Winnie the Pooh Readings,” in which Igor Zolotovitsky was the lead.

A Life Devoted to Art and Education

Igor Zolotovitsky was not only a celebrated Russian actor but also a dedicated teacher and the rector of the Moscow Art Theatre School. He successfully balanced his acting career with nurturing future stars. The actor himself considered himself truly fortunate:

“Despite my mother working in trade and my father being a railway worker, my parents supported my choice. My father personally took me to Moscow and even accompanied me to admission committees. However, I did not get accepted the first year. They told me: if you want to, apply again next year, but first, go work. And I went to work at the 84th aircraft repair plant. By the way, I was a 3rd class fitter! But then I achieved my goal: I was admitted to the Moscow Art Theatre School,” Igor Yakovlevich confessed in one of his interviews.

Zolotovitsky began his teaching career in 1989, joining the faculty of the Moscow Art Theatre School. Since 2013, he had been leading the university, preserving the traditions of Russian theatrical art and graduating many young talented actors, some of whom have become famous.

A Legacy of Unforgettable Roles

Igor Zolotovitsky’s creative biography includes dozens of memorable roles in Moscow theaters and parts in cult films such as “Taxi Blues,” “Mama,” and “The Day Before.” His ability to harmoniously combine serious drama with comedic roles made him a favorite among audiences of different generations.

Tributes Pour In

Online, fans are struggling to believe the actor’s passing and are leaving dozens of messages in the comments:

“Such sad news. He was a very good actor and a gifted teacher… may he rest in peace.”
“What is this, death after death. It’s hard to believe. He was a good actor and a talented teacher. It’s very sad and upsetting.”
“Legends are leaving us.”

Anastasia Popova’s Tribute

Actress Anastasia Popova was his student. In a conversation with Woman.ru, she shared:

“Igor Yakovlevich, and I won’t be original here, will forever remain in our hearts as the most life-loving person with a huge, generous soul of a child. The funniest person. He knew how to live life beautifully: eat, drink, act deliciously, laugh. He taught me to be brave and kind, to respect people, never to give up. To have many friends. To see and be able to be surprised.”

“His voice will forever echo in my ears: ‘Magnificent,’ ‘You are the best,’ and ‘My dears, listen…’ Or his personal comment on one of my works at the school-studio: ‘Nastya, you suffered and suffered, jumped off the bridge into the river, you can’t play your whole life in one sentence, don’t overdo it.’ And so I go through life, everything should be easy and honest.”

“They always say about Zolotovitsky’s students that they ‘came, liked, and left.’ The last time we met with him was in May last year—before his birthday, in the foyer of the Moscow Art Theatre at the awards, we laughed, hugged, took photos. We learned about the illness later, tried not to bother him, and only prayed that he would cope…”