Andrei Myagkov Death was held on August 18, 2021, and was born on July 8, 1938, Andrei Myagkov was a renowned Soviet and Russian actor as well as a theatre director and writer. He gained his greatest recognition for his memorable performances in iconic movies helmed by Eldar Ryazanov, including classics like “The Irony of Fate” (1975), “Office Romance” (1977), “The Garage” (1979), and “A Cruel Romance.”
Early Life and Education of Andrei Myagkov
Andrey Myagkov, born on July 8, 1938, in Leningrad, USSR, came from a family deeply immersed in academia. His father, Vasily Myagkov, held a professorship at Leningrad State Technical University. During his formative years in high school, Andrey’s burgeoning passion for theatre and acting led him to actively participate in a drama club.
Upon completing his high school education, Andrey opted to pursue a career in the field of chemistry. He enrolled at the Lensoviet Leningrad Institute of Technology and, in 1961, graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. Even as he embarked on his professional journey as an engineer-researcher at Leningrad State Institute of Plastics, his love for acting remained undiminished, and he continued to engage in amateur acting on stage.
Entry into Acting
In 1961, Andrey Myagkov made a life-changing decision to follow his true calling in acting. He enrolled at the Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Art Theatre School, where he diligently honed his acting skills. His training concluded in 1964, after which he became a member of the prestigious Sovremennik Theatre in Moscow. At Sovremennik, he had the privilege of collaborating with renowned Soviet actors such as Oleg Yefremov, Yevgeny Yevstigneyev, Galina Volchek, Oleg Tabakov, Oleg Dal, Igor Kvasha, and Valentin Gaft.
One of his early noteworthy stage roles was in the production of “Uncle’s Dream,” an adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel, where he portrayed the character of the uncle.
Film Career Takes Off
Andrey Myagkov’s cinematic career gained significant momentum when director Elem Klimov offered him the leading role in the satirical film “Adventures of a Dentist” in 1965. His portrayal of Alyosha in the critically acclaimed “The Brothers Karamazov” (1969), based on Dostoevsky’s novel, earned him widespread recognition in the film industry.
In 1975, Myagkov achieved fame for his role as surgeon Zhenya Lukashin in the immensely popular comedy-drama film “The Irony of Fate.” He played the reserved statistician Anatoly Novoseltsev in another popular film by Eldar Ryazanov, “Office Romance,” two years later. This film also marked his debut as a singer. His exceptional performances in both films earned him the USSR State Prize, and in 1978, he was named Best Actor by readers of Soviet Screen.
Theater Career Flourishes
In 1977, Andrey Myagkov bid farewell to Sovremennik Theatre and joined the Moscow Art Theatre (MKhAT). His debut at MKhAT featured him in the leading role of Zilov in Aleksandr Vampilov’s “Duck Hunt.” Over time, he solidified his position as a prominent actor in numerous stage productions.
Notable Films and Later Career
Myagkov’s filmography boasts remarkable works such as “The Days of the Turbins” (1976), adapted from Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel, “The Garage” (1979), “Vertical Race” (1983), and “A Cruel Romance” (1984).
In the 1990s, Andrey Myagkov redirected his focus towards theatrical performances and also served as a professor at the Moscow Art Theatre school. During this period, he made appearances in films like “Mother” (1990), Leonid Gaidai’s comedy “Weather Is Good on Deribasovskaya, It Rains Again on Brighton Beach” (1992), and the detective story “Contract with Death” (1998).
In 1989, Myagkov ventured into directing, debuting at the Moscow Art Theatre with “Goodnight, Mama” (Spokoinoy nochi, Mama). In 2000, he directed a stage play titled “Retro.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Andrey Myagkov portrayed over 50 roles in film and television, leaving an enduring impact on both Russian cinema and theater.
Relationship with Russian Oligarch
Andrei Myagkov appeared to have no direct connections to Putin or Russian oligarchs, at least not publicly. He was a well-liked and esteemed actor who refrained from engaging in politics or business affairs. He was also critical of the condition of Russian culture and society during Putin’s leadership. In a 2012 interview, he lamented, “Our country lacks culture, morality, spirituality, and law. Money and power are in control of it.
Additionally, he voiced his support for the anti-Putin demonstrations that occurred in 2011 and 2012, describing them as “a glimmer of hope” and “a refreshing change.” He expressed, “I’m pleased that people have awakened to the realization of their dignity and rights.”
However, Myagkov himself chose not to participate in the protests, citing his age and fatigue as reasons. He held the belief that the protests wouldn’t bring about any significant change due to the deeply entrenched corruption and oppression within the system. He remarked, “I see no promising future for our country. There’s no light at the end of the tunnel.”
Reason for Andrei Myagkov Death
Andrei Myagkov passed away on February 18, 2021, in Moscow after battling an unspecified illness. At the time of his demise, he was 82 years old. He was interred at Troekurovskoe Cemetery in Moscow, Russia.
Renowned as a legendary actor, Myagkov played pivotal roles in some of the most memorable films in Soviet cinema, including “The Irony of Fate” and “Office Romance.” Beyond his accomplishments on the screen, he also made significant contributions as a esteemed theater director and writer, dedicating many years to the Moscow Art Theatre. His noteworthy achievements include being a two-time recipient of the USSR State Prize, holding the title of People’s Artist of the RSFSR, and serving as a professor at the Moscow Art Theatre School.
His passing elicited grief from numerous fans and colleagues who fondly remembered him as an exceptionally talented and charismatic actor, as well as a kind and generous individual. Andrei Myagkov was regarded as a true patriot of Russia. His death marked a substantial loss for Russian culture and society as a whole.
