Heartbreaking Final Wish: Igor Zolotovitsky’s Son 9 Days Before His Father’s Passing
The Passing of Igor Zolotovitsky: A Blow to Family, Friends, and Colleagues
The death of actor Igor Zolotovitsky has come as a profound shock to his family, colleagues, and acquaintances. Despite his battle with a severe illness, there remained hope that he would overcome it.
Zolotovitsky’s Health Struggles
Reports indicate that the health of the rector of the School-Studio of MKHAT had seriously deteriorated as early as December 2025. Zolotovitsky was battling stomach cancer, which was diagnosed the same year. In December, he was hospitalized three times and was on a ventilator following a scheduled course of chemotherapy.
On January 10, the actor was hospitalized again and remained in critical condition. His heart stopped on the morning of January 14. Doctors attempted to resuscitate Igor Yakovlevich for half an hour, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.
Colleagues were aware of Zolotovitsky’s illness, but he tried not to show how difficult it was for him. Everyone was understanding and ready to help, just as Zolotovitsky himself was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in poor health.
Only his family was fully immersed in the struggle with the disease. Each time the actor’s health worsened, his loved ones hoped with bated breath that he would pull through. Welcoming the year 2026, Igor Zolotovitsky’s eldest son, actor Alexey Zolotovitsky, wrote a poignant post on social media just nine days before his father’s passing:
‘If the coming year turns out to be better than the previous one, it will be a great victory. Therefore, I arm myself with the Machete of Peaceful Good to cut through the jungles of diseases and bitterness.’
— noted the star of the series ‘Magic Plot -2’.
Alas, the beginning of the year dealt a painful blow to the creative family. The farewell to Igor Zolotovitsky will take place on the stage of the Moscow Art Theatre named after Chekhov, where he served for over 40 years. Colleagues of the actor, upon learning of his death, struggle to find words.
‘I can’t even think of what to say, it’s like a hammer blow!’
— Alexander Semchev admits with a sigh.
Actress Alexandra Rebenok shares that Igor Zolotovitsky was an amazing person who was heavily involved in helping colleagues and theater staff with health issues.
‘He was a man with a big heart. If someone had problems, or someone from the theater staff was ill, or their loved ones, he was always ready to help. He always knew everyone, was in touch with everyone, communicated with the chief doctors, and could find the necessary help. He never passed by, always tried to support.’
— the actress recounts.
Evgenia Dmitrieva, an actress and associate professor at the Department of Acting at the School-Studio of MKHAT, shared with Woman.ru that the loss has been devastating for the entire team.
‘It is impossible to speak from the point of view of memory, what is remembered. First, you need to accept the thought that he is gone. It just doesn’t fit in my head. No words can describe it.’
— she shared.
Recall that all performances featuring Igor Zolotovitsky were canceled 1.5 months before his death. On January 14, the theater announced the cancellation of the performance ‘Winnie the Pooh Readings,’ scheduled for February 8 at the Small Stage of MKHAT, in which Igor Zolotovitsky was to perform. Ticket holders were promised refunds to their bank cards.
