Taganka Theater actor Anatoly Vasiliev, an honored artist of Russia, addressed rumors about a hospital stay following a knee injury. He clarified the situation directly, noting that the reports were a misunderstanding and there is no truth to the idea of a knee problem. The actor’s comments were reported by RIA News as he spoke in a calm, direct manner, aiming to set the record straight for colleagues and audiences alike.
On March 9, a Moscow newspaper, Moskovsky Komsomolets, published information suggesting that Vasiliev had been hospitalized on the evening of Friday, March 8. The publication claimed that the 77-year-old performer slipped and hurt his knee and that he was taken from his apartment on Bolshoy Vlasyevsky Street to a hospital for examination. The report added a sense of urgency to the situation, prompting fans and peers to seek confirmation from multiple sources. In response, Vasiliev publicly denied any hospitalization or injury, reinforcing that there was no medical issue requiring admission. Attribution for these statements remains with the original reporting outlets, with subsequent clarification provided by the actor and his representatives.
Anatoly Vasiliev, a prominent figure in Soviet and Russian theater and cinema, was born on November 6, 1946, in Nizhny Tagil. He pursued acting at the Moscow Art Theatre School, graduating in 1969. Early in his career, from 1969 to 1973, he performed at the Moscow Satire Theatre, gaining recognition for his versatility and commitment to the craft. In 1973, he joined the Central Theater of the Soviet Army, contributing to the ensemble during a period of significant cultural and artistic development in the country. Since 1995, Vasiliev has been part of the Moscow Mossovet Theatre, where his performances have continued to leave a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. Over the years, he has been linked with renowned actresses Maria Neelova and Iya Savvina through marriage, adding another layer to his public life and artistic impact.
In addition to his stage work, Vasiliev has spoken about his approach to selecting projects. Earlier remarks attributed to him indicate a preference for substantive scripts that challenge performers and engage audiences on deeper levels. This stance reflects a broader philosophy about the responsibilities of actors who carry marquee roles and contribute to the cultural dialogue through continuous artistic exploration. While fans may have followed his journey through a variety of performances, Vasiliev remains focused on choosing roles that offer meaningful material and authentic character development, a principle that has guided his career through decades of change in the theater landscape.