Vera Alentova, honored as a People’s Artist of Russia, faced an emotional moment at the farewell ceremony for Alexander Shirvindt, a respected figure in Russian and Soviet cinema. Sources say she barely managed to stand, overcome by the weight of the loss. The event was covered by Utro.ru, which detailed the scene surrounding the beloved actress and her colleagues.
Alentova’s daughter, Yulia Menshova, stepped in to support her mother during the difficult moment. She helped the 82-year-old screen icon settle into a chair beside Shirvindt’s relatives, offering a steadying presence as tears flowed freely. Utro.ru notes that Alentova was moved to tears throughout the tribute, a testament to the deep bond she shared with Shirvindt and the family he leaves behind.
The private memorial took place the day prior at the Moscow Satire Theatre, a venue closely tied to Shirvindt throughout his long career. Among the attendees were well-known names from the Russian stage and screen, including Vladimir Vinokur, Igor Zolotovitsky, Hmayak Akopyan, Konstantin Raikin, Yuri Nazarov, and Valery Barinov, all of whom came to bid farewell to the actor who had given so much to the theatre world.
Alexander Shirvindt passed away on March 15, at the age of 89. He was celebrated for his roles in beloved films such as The Irony of Fate and Three Men in a Boat. Shirvindt’s influence extended beyond his acting work; he served as the artistic director of the Satire Theatre from 2000 to 2021, and in 2021 held the role of theatre president, guiding generations of performers through his leadership and vision. This chronology of service reflects a career devoted to the craft and to mentoring younger artists who followed in his footsteps.
In recent days, tributes from fellow luminaries highlighted Shirvindt’s impact on Russian culture. Pop icon Philip Kirkorov spoke emotionally about their last meeting, expressing hope for Shirvindt’s recovery and recounting his long acquaintance with the artist from childhood. Kirkorov said he had lived in the same building as Shirvindt, describing him as a senior colleague, teacher, and mentor whose guidance helped shape his own path in the performing arts. These reflections underscore the personal connections Shirvindt formed across generations within the entertainment industry.
Earlier, public figures such as Ivan Urgant had announced their intention to attend Shirvindt’s farewell, signaling the broad respect Shirvindt earned across the Russian arts community. The layered testimonies from friends and colleagues together paint a portrait of a man who influenced many through both his performances and his steadfast commitment to the theatre. The farewell remains a moment of collective memory for those who admired Shirvindt’s decades of work and his lasting contributions to Russian culture.