Leonid Yarmolnik recalls meeting Alexander Abdulov shortly before his colleague’s death
Leonid Yarmolnik has shared that he visited Alexander Abdulov in the hospital two days before the actor’s passing. Speaking to mk.ru, Yarmolnik described the moment he arrived at the hospital and reflected on the fragile period that follows a serious illness. The moment, he said, was marked by lingering conversations and the desire to connect one last time with friends.
According to Yarmolnik, a meeting with Yuri Buziashvili, Abdulov’s close associate who shared a last lie in the Chazovsky center, occurred just two days before Abdulov’s death. The admission underscores the emotional complexity seen in the final hours of a beloved performer, and Yarmolnik noted that such gatherings can carry both solace and strain for all involved.
Yarmolnik also recalled a New Year’s gathering in Abdulov’s final days. The actor reportedly joined his mother and other relatives for celebrations despite doctors’ strict prohibitions. This reunion, told by Yarmolnik, is presented as a factor that may have impacted Abdulov in that critical period, highlighting the intense pressures and emotional stakes surrounding families facing terminal illness.
Alexander Abdulov, born on May 29, is celebrated as a People’s Artist of the RSFSR. His career began with a first film appearance in the early 1970s, in an episode of the movie About Vitya, About Masha and the Marines. He continued to appear in projects such as the 1974 short film Vera and Fedor and gained lasting popularity in 1978 with the film Ordinary Miracle, directed by Mark Zakharov. These early roles helped shape a career that resonated with audiences for decades.
Earlier reports indicated that Mosfilm planned a commemorative film marathon in honor of Abdulov’s 70th birthday, showcasing the actor’s work and his enduring influence in cinema. The event, part of a broader celebration, highlighted the impact Abdulov had on generations of viewers and on the Russian film industry as a whole.