Oleg Zimin died at the age of 64. The news came through representatives of the Moscow Children’s Musical and Drama Theater Generation. The cause of death has not been disclosed. The theater offered condolences to Zimin’s family and friends and announced that a farewell ceremony would be held on May 20 at the Nikolo-Arkhangelsk crematorium.
Born on May 28, 1959, Zimin trained at the Russian Academy of Theater Arts and the Russian Academy of Music. He began his professional career at the Rostov State Musical Theatre after completing his studies. His path later led him to the Moscow Children’s Musical and Drama Theater Generation in 2006, where he became a familiar face to young audiences and their families.
In the Generation troupe, Zimin captivated audiences with performances such as The Hussar Ballad, Little, Little Red Riding Hood, Sadko and the Sea Princess, The Marriage of Balzaminov, How the Nightingale the Robber Helped the Soldier Ivan, and Hussar. Love Story. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated artist who brought warmth and humor to every role and rehearsal. Fellow actor Yuri Krasov shared that he found it hard to believe Zimin had left the company, recalling the easy rapport they shared in the dressing room and how Zimin always had something engaging to say. Krasov described Zimin as someone who loved the stage and connected with people in a way that made performances memorable.
Earlier reports note that Zimin also appeared in television projects, contributing to the broader reach of Russian stage actors beyond the theater walls. His work left a mark on many who knew him through both live performances and screen appearances, highlighting a career that blended theatre training with practical onstage experience. The theatre community in Moscow and beyond remembers him for his reliability, generous spirit, and commitment to fostering a love of performance in younger generations. His colleagues describe a performer who inspired colleagues and students alike with his professional discipline and his willingness to share insights from decades of stage work.
As condolences circulated, fans and fellow performers reflected on the role Zimin played in shaping contemporary theatre for families and children. His contributions extended beyond individual roles; he helped nurture a culture of musical drama that invites young audiences to explore story, music, and movement as interconnected art forms. In the years at Generation, he performed pieces that introduced children to classic tales and new works alike, often bridging traditional performance practices with fresh interpretations that resonated with modern audiences. The theatre community continues to celebrate his legacy as a mentor and performer who used his voice and presence to illuminate stories for young viewers and their caretakers alike.
In the wake of his passing, plans for the farewell service were announced, inviting friends, colleagues, and supporters to pay tribute to his life and work. The theatre’s leadership emphasized the importance of honoring Zimin’s memory through recognition of his long service to stage arts and the joy he brought to audiences through his performances. While the details of his final days remain private, those who knew him describe a person who remained steadfast in his craft and who believed in the enduring power of theatre to educate, entertain, and unite people across generations.