Lyudmila Gurchenko, a Soviet-era film icon and one of the country's most beloved actresses, died in her Moscow home late Wednesday, her relatives told Interfax. She was 75.
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but an unidentified Moscow medical source said doctors believed that it was linked to complications from a hip surgery that Gurchenko underwent earlier this month.
President Dmitry Medvedev expressed his condolences.
Gurchenko, a native of Ukraine, debuted as actress in the early 1950s and soon shot to fame with the 1956 film "Karnavalnaya Noch" (Carnival in Moscow), a New Year-themed comedy that has became a staple of Russian mass culture. Her filmography spanned six decades and counted almost 100 movies, among them features by directors Nikita Mikhalkov, Alexei German and Eldar Ryazanov.
Gurchenko is survived by her husband, producer Sergei Senin, a daughter and a granddaughter. A source close to the family told Interfax that Gurchenko is likely to be buried at Moscow's Novodevichye Cemetery on Monday.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
