Alexander Pashutin, a People’s Artist of Russia renowned for memorable performances in films such as Crew and Height 89, has voiced criticism of fellow actor Dmitry Nazarov. In a public comment on the site aif.ru, Pashutin admitted that certain colleagues whom he once respected now fail to meet his expectations.
Among the points that surprised him most was Nazarov’s stance, including anti-Russian verses he reportedly wrote and a recent remark implying that smiling in Russia with his wife Olga brings a risk of being punched in the face.
Pashutin reflected on Nazarov with a mix of disbelief and disappointment, asking himself why a person he had once looked up to could become so troubling in his eyes. The veteran actor’s words drew public attention as they highlighted a rift among artists who had previously found common ground.
Earlier, Dmitry Nazarov and his wife, Olga Vasilyeva, were dismissed from the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater in January. Reports indicate that the dismissal followed criticisms of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, commonly described in the media as a reaction to the ongoing conflict. Nazarov faced a fine in connection with allegations of discrediting the armed forces under the administrative code. In the wake of the incident, it was noted that only a small number of former colleagues reached out to him, choosing to write or call for support.
Additionally, discussions about Nazarov’s professional trajectory included comments surrounding a separate matter involving his alleged disputes with colleagues, which contributed to the complex atmosphere surrounding his relationship with the theater and the broader acting community.