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Russian officials express condolences over renowned actor Vasily Lanovoy’s passing

Portrait of Vasily Lanovoy outside Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow Vladimir Gerdo/TASS

Portrait of Vasily Lanovoy outside Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow

© Vladimir Gerdo/TASS

MOSCOW, January 29. /TASS/. Top Russian officials, politicians and cinema and theater colleagues have expressed condolences and sorrow over the passing of celebrated Soviet and Russian actor Vasily Lanovoy who died on Thursday evening aged 87.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described Lanovoy in his message as a legend of Russian cinema and of the Vakhtangov Theater. "He will always remain in our memory as a true patriot and civil activist who valued Russia, its destiny, history and future above all," the president stressed.

Condolences were also expressed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and other politicians, actors and public figures.

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