Igor Shcherbak, a veteran Ukrainian theater and cinema actor recognized for his performances in the television series Sniffer and The Return of the Mukhtar, has died at 69. The report came through TASS, citing the Kyiv Academic Young Theater’s press service for confirmation. The news prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and artists who had the privilege of working with him, with the cause of death not disclosed at this time [citation: Kyiv Academic Young Theater press office].
In a message posted by the Young Theatre on its official page, the organization extended heartfelt condolences to Shcherbak’s family and loved ones. The statement reflects the high esteem in which he was held within the Ukrainian acting community and the broader cultural scene. The theater also noted the actor’s long-standing contributions to stage and screen, underscoring his status as an Honored Artist of Ukraine. The family and colleagues are in the thoughts of many as the community processes the loss [citation: Kyiv Academic Young Theater communications].
Shcherbak received formal training at the Kyiv State Institute of Theatre Arts named after Karpenko-Kary, from which he graduated before joining the Kyiv Youth Theater in 1981. Over the decades, he became a familiar face on stage, contributing to a wide range of productions and touring theater programs. His work extended beyond the proscenium to television and film, where he participated in projects such as Central Hospital, Letter of Hope, Communication, Trap, The Last Cord. Continued, and additional titles that showcased his versatility across genres and formats. His colleagues remember him as dedicated, professional, and a mentor to younger performers who looked up to his experience and artistry [citation: Kyiv Youth Theatre archives].
Besides his stage and screen work, Shcherbak lent his voice to characters in several children’s films and animated projects. His voice acting contributions included roles in Chip ’n’ Dale: Chipmunk Rescue, Iron Man 3, The First Avenger, and a variety of other children’s entertainment titles. This facet of his career reflected a breadth of talent and a willingness to engage audiences across age groups, further cementing his impact within Ukrainian entertainment and international collaborations alike [citation: Production credits and theatre program notes].
There were earlier mentions of Elena Safronova, an actress associated with the series Mukhtar, noted in separate reports. While Safronova’s own career has included notable work within the genre, these updates intersect with the broader media coverage of Shcherbak’s passing and the remembrance of those who contributed to popular Ukrainian television projects over the years [citation: Ukrainian television industry press].