Yuri Solomin, honored as People’s Artist of the Russian Federation and serving as the artistic director of the Maly Theater, remains hospitalized after developing bilateral pneumonia. The news was reported by the Telegram channel Puree, which noted that his current health concerns lie on top of a longer medical history that includes a prior stroke and dementia. These factors are being considered as doctors manage his treatment in a hospital setting.
The publication describes Solomin’s condition as being monitored in intensive care. He is conscious yet disoriented and unable to speak clearly due to significant speech impairment. This combination of symptoms is being treated with careful, round-the-clock medical supervision to stabilize his condition and address the underlying pneumonia.
Solomin, an actor, director, and longtime artistic director of the Maly Theater, was brought to a medical facility on November 6. Mash Telegram channel reported that he appeared to have suffered a stroke, losing consciousness in the courtyard near his home. Passers-by immediately called for emergency medical services, and responders transported him to receive urgent care. The incident marked a serious turn in a career that has spanned decades and left a lasting imprint on Russian stage and screen.
On November 12, Tamara Mikhailova, the director of the Maly Theater, provided an update stating that Solomin’s condition had become more stable, with signs of improvement and the artist remaining conscious. The theater community, colleagues, and audiences alike have since awaited further news, hoping for a positive trajectory as medical treatment continues and specialists evaluate his responsiveness and overall recovery prospects.
Born on June 18, 1935, in Chita, Yuri Solomin moved from regional roots into the center of Russian cinema and theater. Since 1961, he has shared his expertise by teaching acting at the Shchepkin Higher Theatrical School, influencing generations of performers with his craft, discipline, and stage presence. Across a prolific career, Solomin has appeared in nearly 60 films and television series, delivering performances that ranged from dramatic intensity to nuanced character studies, helping to shape the modern visage of Russian acting. His work with the Maly Theater further cemented his role as a leading figure in the country’s performing arts scene.—the breadth of Solomin’s contributions has earned him broad respect among peers and students alike, and his absence in the theater world is deeply felt by those who follow his legacy closely.
Beyond his stage and screen accomplishments, Solomin’s career has also intersected with innovative approaches to storytelling in Russian culture. A neural network project recently explored the work of Yegor Letov, and a video accompanying the Letov piece was produced, reflecting ongoing interest in integrating modern technology with musical and cultural expression. This contemporary note sits alongside the more traditional and enduring aspects of Solomin’s legacy in theater, illustrating how the arts continue to evolve while honoring notable contributors who shaped the landscape over many decades.