MOSCOW, March 16Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to the family and friends of Alexander Shirvindt, noting that an outstanding actor and director, a bright, wise and charming person, truly a legend of Russian theater and cinema, had passed away; the corresponding telegram was published on the Kremlin website.
Alexander Shirvindt died on March 15 at the age of 90.
“I sincerely share the grief that befell your family. Alexander Anatolyevich Shirvindt, an outstanding actor and director, a bright, unusually talented, wise and charming person whom we all sincerely loved, has passed away. Truly a legend of Russian theater and cinema,” the telegram says.
Putin added that Shirvindt devoted himself to serving art, worked with full dedication, was open and invariably friendly to colleagues, students, and numerous admirers of his generous, unique talent.
In conclusion, the Russian leader emphasized that the actor will forever will remain so in memory.
Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, expressing condolences to the family and friends of Alexander Shirvindt, called the artist’s passing an irreparable loss for national culture, adding that he had a unique acting, directing, literary and pedagogical gift.
“The passing of a talented person is always a great grief. And when people of such stature as Alexander Anatolyevich Shirvindt pass away, it is a huge, irreparable loss for national culture, family and friends, for all of us. Alexander Shirvindt had a unique acting, directing, literary and pedagogical gift. A master of impersonation, witty, ironic, multifaceted, he delighted audiences with each of his roles in films and on the famous stage. Under his leadership, the legendary Satire Theater became one of the most popular in Moscow. He managed to create a special creative space, staged many wonderful performances , where drama was organically combined with music, subtle satire with philosophy,” the telegram reports.
Shirvindt was born on July 19, 1934 in Moscow. After graduating from the Shchukin Theater School in 1956, he was accepted into the troupe of the Theater. Lenin Komsomol (now Lenkom Mark Zakharov). Shirvindt has served at the Satire Theater since 1970, from 2000 to 2021 he was the artistic director of the theater, and in 2021 he became its president. In addition, the actor taught at the Theater Institute. B.V. Shchukina. Shirvindt is widely known for his roles in films, including such films as “The Irony of Fate or Enjoy Your Bath!”, “Three in a Boat Not Counting the Dog,” “Circus Princess” and others.