Ivan Urgant’s Heartfelt Farewell to Igor Zolotovitsky: A Tribute to a Theatrical Legend

Ivan Urgant’s Emotional Farewell to Igor Zolotovitsky

On January 17, the Moscow Art Theatre named after A.P. Chekhov hosted a farewell ceremony for the Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, Igor Zolotovitsky. This stage was his home for over forty years, where he remained one of the key actors of the Moscow Art Theatre. The news of Igor Yakovlevich’s passing emerged on January 14, 2026, and he was laid to rest at the Troyekurovskoye Cemetery in Moscow. Colleagues, friends, students, and loved ones gathered to bid farewell to an actor who was not just a stage master but a man who shaped an entire theatrical era.

Ivan Urgant’s Emotional Tribute

One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony was Ivan Urgant’s appearance. The showman, who had not been seen in public in Russia for a long time, arrived at the Moscow Art Theatre with his wife. Approaching the coffin, he could not hold back his tears. With tearful eyes, Urgant laid flowers, embraced Igor Zolotovitsky’s sons, and kissed the hand of his widow. The Urgant and Zolotovitsky families had been closely connected for many years—they were friends, visited each other’s homes, and shared joys and sorrows. For Ivan, this loss was deeply personal.

“Well, a record has been set. For as long as Zolotovitsky was on stage, people never stopped smiling and laughing—this has never happened before. But we are witnessing a historic event. And this is a miracle. We are all lucky to have seen this miracle. I think he is lying there smiling now. You can’t see it from the audience, but above him is a screen showing scenes from his performances, with children sitting there. And he can see it directly… you understand what he sees. He would definitely appreciate it. Believe me,” Urgant said from the stage.

Continuing his speech, Ivan noted that Zolotovitsky always knew how to support others in the most difficult moments—he found the right words, helped cope with the loss of parents, friends, and loved ones, reminding everyone that life goes on and that there is light, humor, and kindness in it. He emphasized that the actor was a man who never hurt anyone and made those around him stronger with his presence.

A Life of Laughter and Joy

“No one was ever offended by him; everyone always laughed and rejoiced because when he appeared, it was a celebration. And I don’t feel that Igor is gone. He remains with me, in my heart, in my family, among my friends. He loved poetry very much. One of his favorite poems was: ‘Igor, Igor, give me a little bubble, you are my comrade, you will give me a bubble.’ And you know, today I recited this and realized that the word ‘comrade’ is the most important word in this poem. And all the people who are now on stage, and there are as many people behind the stage as there are in the hall, and they do not want to leave each other. I would like to hear Igor’s comments on what is happening here today. He had a phrase, a word. He said it in such a way that it made you want to live. No matter what he said it about. Therefore, when we meet with Igor, I will ask: ‘Well, Igor, will you say something, how did they say goodbye to you?’ Igor will say one word—magnificent. Igor, we love you very much,'” Ivan concluded.

Memories and Tributes

One of the first to bid farewell to Igor Yakovlevich was Andrei Urgant. He admitted that he had maintained a friendship with the actor and rector of the School-Studio of MKHAT for many years, although the years of friendship seemed to have flown by unnoticed. Andrei Lvovich’s memories were filled with warmth and gratitude for the shared years and the lessons that Zolotovitsky left to everyone who had the fortune to know him.

A particularly touching moment was the speech of Igor’s eldest son, Alexei. With difficulty holding back tears, he spoke about his father’s last words and shared memories of what kind of person Igor Yakovlevich was. According to Alexei, the actor was not only a master of the stage but also a real “father” to his students and friends, a man who left a bright mark on the life of everyone he met.

When Alexei spoke about the last minutes of his father’s life, the hall fell silent. He recalled that at the moment Igor Yakovlevich was transferred to the intensive care unit, despite his serious condition, the actor managed to show character and a sense of humor. The doctor approached him and asked how he was feeling. Zolotovitsky, waking up from sleep, looked at him thoughtfully and raised his thumb, saying only the short word “Wow.”

A Legacy of Inspiration

Many stars of theater and cinema came to bid farewell to Igor Zolotovitsky. Among them were Vladimir Mashkov, Dmitry Pevtsov, Pavel Tabakov, Ekaterina Strizhenova, as well as hundreds of colleagues and admirers of the actor’s talent. Each speech and word reminded everyone that Igor Yakovlevich was a man of rare charisma and depth who could create an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and love around him.

Colleagues and friends noted that Zolotovitsky left a whole legacy not only on stage but also in the lives of those around him. He knew how to “save” people with his words and deeds, inspire creativity, and support in difficult times. Many remembered how the actor helped cope with personal losses, how he taught to see humor and light even where it seemed that all was lost.

For more details on the farewell ceremony, you can visit the official page.