Actor Dmitry Nazarov reflects on exile, fame, and life after Moscow
Dmitry Nazarov has opened up about the emotions tied to leaving Russia and the enduring connection he feels to Moscow. In a candid discussion, the renowned actor spoke about the city he loves, admitting that there are moments when he misses Moscow and that certain neighborhoods still hold a special place in his heart. He describes himself as a true Muscovite, emphasizing the deep, personal bond with the metropolis even after making a new home elsewhere.
Today Nazarov lives in Cannes with his wife, Olga Vasilyeva. The couple has built a seaside life with a gentler climate and a relaxed Mediterranean tempo. Even as they relocated, the actor and his partner remain deeply engaged with theater, continuing to perform on stage and embarking on tours that feature their own productions. These performances serve as a bridge between their artistic roots and their current home base.
In early 2023, Nazarov and Vasilyeva faced a major professional shift when they were dismissed from the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater. Coverage at the time linked the decision to Nazarov’s public comments about Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The departure marked a significant change in their stage careers and public profiles.
Later that year, Nazarov weighed in on Konstantin Khabensky’s choice to remove him from the theater. He described the move as a test for the theater’s artistic leadership, noting that the initial plan had been to impose a temporary restriction rather than a permanent exit. The actor highlighted how adaptation and resilience were needed as he navigated evolving dynamics within a leading Moscow institution.
During that period, memories surfaced of the early stages of a film-inspired project involving Cheburashka’s second and third installments, illustrating how shifts in actors’ paths intersected with studio plans and public expectations. The moment underscored how personal decisions, artistic commitments, and institutional choices can converge to reshape a career that spans both stage and screen. The narrative became about movement and reinvention, with Nazarov pursuing creative opportunities beyond any single city or platform.
Throughout this journey, Nazarov has remained committed to artistic exploration and collaboration. His experiences illuminate how a performer balances national identity with international opportunities, especially when working across theater and cinema. The journey reflects a broader pattern in contemporary acting—where personal choices, public perception, and professional obligations interact to shape a lasting career that thrives beyond borders and stages.