In an interview on TV week of the stars, actor Vladimir Mashkov shared a touching memory tied to the late director Oleg Tabakov. He revealed that Tabakov’s final gift to him was the master’s book, a keepsake that carried both personal meaning and professional guidance. Mashkov recalled how the book arrived as a brand new, sealed gift when Tabakov presented it to him, just before the director’s passing. He described how he opened it in March 2018 and found it to be pristine, with pages still stiff as if fresh from the printer. The moment felt like a bridge between a mentor’s care and the work that lay ahead for Mashkov as an actor. The book bore Tabakov’s own signature, a mark that carried the weight of a life devoted to the craft and to nurturing others in the field. According to Mashkov, Tabakov urged him to pursue growth with vigor and to push for excellence in every performance, insisting that both the actor and the audience would benefit from ongoing development. The memory underscores how Tabakov often reminded the younger generation of actors about the importance of continuous learning and creative expansion. Mashkov noted that he later kept a separate book containing testimonies from his former mentor, a kind of living archive he could consult for advice. On occasions, he would open this tribute to draw encouragement from the deceased master’s words. He mentioned another resource: a wonderful book compiled by Evdokia Germanova, which collects statements attributed to Oleg Palych. When life’s choices felt uncertain, Mashkov would flip to it and ask, in effect, what the mentor might say in a given moment. He described a recent random page with a sentence that resonated deeply: a phrase that emphasized personal responsibility with the thought, If not you, who. Another sentence carried a broader, almost existential message about progress toward a goal that is always within reach but never fully attained, an idea Mashkov found profoundly motivating. The artist reflected on how such lines continue to shape his approach to acting, performance, and the continuous pursuit of artistic truth.
Earlier, Mashkov spoke about the type of individuals for whom the acting profession might not be a good fit, highlighting the demanding nature of the field and the need for a certain resilience, curiosity, and genuine passion. The remarks reflect a candid, human view of what it takes to sustain a career in the performing arts, especially when guided by mentors who model discipline, generosity, and lifelong learning. The conversation also underscores the enduring influence that established figures can have on younger colleagues, both through direct mentorship and the enduring wisdom captured in books and annotated collections. In this sense, Mashkov’s reflections offer a glimpse into how a teacher’s legacy can continue to shape creative decisions long after a mentor’s presence has faded. [citation: TV program interview notes]