Oleg Ivanovich Yankovsky (Russian:Оле́г Ива́нович Янко́вский; 23 February 1944 – 20 May 2009) was aSoviet andRussian actor who excelled in psychologically sophisticated roles of modern intellectuals.[1][2] In 1991, he became, together withSofia Pilyavskaya [ru], the last person to be named aPeople's Artist of the USSR.
After the death of Stalin, the Yankovsky family was able to leave Central Asia forSaratov. Oleg's eldest brother, Rostislav, after graduating from theSaratov Theater School, went to Minsk to play at theRussian Theater. He took 14-year-old Oleg with him due to financial concerns, as in the family there was only one breadwinner – middle brother Nikolay. In Minsk, youngest Yankovsky made his debut on the stage – it was necessary to substitute the sick performer of the episodic role of the boy in the playThe Drummer.[2]
After leaving school, Yankovsky returned to Saratov, where in 1965 he graduated from theSaratov Theater School. After graduation, he was accepted into the troupe of theSaratov Drama Theater, where for eight years of work he played a number of leading roles. After success in the role of Prince Myshkin in the playThe Idiot in 1973, he was invited to theLenkom Theatre.[2]
The last film Yankovsky appeared in wasTsar, which was released in 2009 and demonstrated at theCannes Film Festival on 17 May 2009, just three days before his death. Yankovsky played the sophisticated role ofMetropolitan Philip in his last film.
On 20 May 2009, Yankovsky died frompancreatic cancer in Moscow, aged 65. A civil funeral took place at Lenkom theater. His burial was held on 22 May 2009 atNovodevichy Cemetery in the presence of his close relatives only.[6]
Son –Filipp (born 10 October 1968), actor and film director.
Daughter-in-law –Oksana Fandera (born 7 November 1967), actress.
Grandchildren –Ivan (born 30 October 1990), actor; Elizaveta (born 1 May 1994).
Brothers –Rostislav Yankovsky (5 February 1930 – 26 June 2016), actor,People's Artist of the USSR; Nikolai Ivanovich Yankovsky (26 July 1941 – 25 May 2015), deputy director of the Saratov Puppet Theater "Teremok".
Nephew –Igor Yankovsky (29 April 1951 – 26 January 2025), actor and media manager.
2002 – State Prize of the Russian Federation – the main role in the play "Jester Balakirev" of the Moscow State Theatre
11 August 2007 – Order "For Merit to the Fatherland", 3rd class – for his great contribution to the development of theatrical art, and many years of fruitful activity
23 February 2009 – Order "For Merit to the Fatherland", 2nd class – for outstanding contributions to the development of domestic theatrical and cinematic arts
Cinematic and public awards
1977 –Lenin Komsomol Prize – "for talented contemporary incarnation of the images in the movie"
1983 – Best Actor of the Year – for starring in the filmLove by Request (according to a poll of the magazine "Soviet Screen")
2001 – First place in the competition "Vyborg Account" at the film festival "Window to Europe" inVyborg – for the film "Come Look at Me"
2001 –Stanislavsky Theatre Prize – for the main role in the play "Jester Balakirev" of the Moscow State Theatre, "Lenk" [74]
2002 –Nika Award – for Best Actor in the film "The Lover"
2002 – The award "Golden Aries" – for Best Actor in the film "The Lover"
2002 – Award for Best Actor at the ORFF "Kinotavr" in Sochi – for his role in "The Lover"
2002 – Award for Best Actor at the festival "Constellation" – for his role in the movie "The Lover"
2002 – Winner of "Idol" in the "Idol of the Year" – for the main role in the play "Jester Balakirev" of theMoscow State Theatre, "Lenk" and for his role in "Come look at me"
2003 –Golden Eagle Award – for Best Supporting Actor in the film "Poor, Poor Pavel"
2003 – Special Award from the Administration ofKrasnodar Krai ORFF "Kinotavr" in Sochi
2005 – Theatre Prize "Hit of the Season" – for the play "Tout payé", or "Paid by all"
2006 – Golden Eagle Award – for Best Actor on Television (in multiserial film "Doctor Zhivago")
2006 – Prize of the Russian Television AcademyTEFI – for best actor on television (in multiserial film "Doctor Zhivago")
2007 – Award "Triumph"
2008 – Public award – the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky, "For Fatherland and work"
