Oleg Tabakov 1935 – 2018

Biography

Oleg Tabakov was born on August 17, 1935, in Saratov, a city along the Volga River in Soviet Russia. From his early years, he would develop into one of the most respected figures in Russian theatre and cinema, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of his nation across more than five decades of artistic work.

Throughout his career, Tabakov distinguished himself as both a talented actor and an innovative theatre director. His work spanned the Soviet era and continued into the post-Soviet period, allowing him to bridge two very different chapters of Russian history through his craft. His contributions to stage and screen earned him recognition as a major cultural figure whose influence extended far beyond Moscow.

On March 12, 2018, Tabakov passed away in Moscow at the age of 82, succumbing to sepsis. His death marked the end of an extraordinary artistic journey. He was laid to rest at Novodevichy Cemetery in the Khamovniki District, a place of honor where many of Russia’s most celebrated artists and cultural figures have been interred, a fitting final resting place for a man whose life was dedicated to the arts.