In a Moscow apartment on the Rostovskaya Embankment, Natalia Steshenko, a theater and film actress known also as Semago, was found dead. Authorities from MK.RU report that the incident occurred in the afternoon in a central city residence.
Preliminary medical conclusions point to a fatal blood clot that broke free and blocked a blood vessel. A 10-year-old son discovered the body after returning from a neighborhood cafe with his mother. Emergency responders were called, but there was no chance to save her life.
Husband Vladimir Semago described the day: his wife spent part of the afternoon at a cafe with their son, and upon returning home she suddenly fell ill and lost consciousness. Colleagues from the theatre recalled that she had not previously reported health concerns. In the days leading up to her death, Natalia reportedly experienced frequent headaches and episodes of low blood pressure, according to a recent MK.RU piece.
Grieving colleagues from Luna Theater voiced their shock. The theatre director told REN TV that Natalia fell ill swiftly, called for help, and died unexpectedly. The news has left the ensemble and audience alike in disbelief.
Steshenko had been a stage performer with Luna Theater since 2006, with her most recent appearance for the company taking place on September 24. Grigory Zaslavsky, the rector of GITIS, conveyed condolences for the untimely loss, describing her as young, beautiful, and talented, and noting that she had recently begun writing compelling plays. He described her as light, cheerful, and patient in waiting for the right role, a quality he admired. He added that her spirit and temperament made an impression on all who knew her, even as she faced a difficult moment.
In his Telegram remarks, Zaslavsky highlighted the hope she showed in pursuing roles that required significant effort, remarking that she was not one to chase quick success, even when it meant postponing opportunities for the sake of a stronger performance. He reflected on the broader arc of her career and the impact of her creative energy on the theatre community.
The GITIS rector also reflected on Natalia’s early achievements, noting that a Miss Kazakhstan title had helped launch her artistic path. He remarked that a successful Miss pageant career did not define the fullness of her abilities or her resolve as an artist, wife, or mother, suggesting that she balanced demanding roles with family life, a testament to her dedication.
Natalia Steshenko was born in 1984 in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan. She won Miss Kazakhstan in 2000 and later graduated from the acting program at a distinguished institution. Her professional journey included work at Luna Theater in Moscow and a film appearance in the comedy League of Deceived Women. On stage at Luna Theater, she contributed to productions such as Poppies, Matri-Arhat, and Shining Thais.
Contemporary profiles note other personal losses within the family, including a 2017 report by Woman.ru about Natalia’s brother, Sergei Steshenko, who died suddenly before reaching 30. She was married to Vladimir Semago, a businessman and political figure who has served in various capacities within both party and corporate structures. His public service has included roles within the State Duma during multiple convocations of the Communist Party and United Russia, and leadership positions in engineering and commerce. A long-standing public figure, Semago has been associated with multiple business and cultural projects, including international services for foreign visitors and a cooperative that later evolved into a business network. He has previously pursued elected office from different political groups but with limited success.