When the news of Leonov's death was announced at the theater, the audience that had already assembled lit candles in mourning.
Leonov's career began with the Stanislavsky Theater, where his first leading role was Lariosik in "Days of the Turbins." The play ran for 1,000 peformances.
He also was a popular screen actor. "The Striped Passage" and "The Gentlemen of Luck" brought him recognition throughout the Soviet Union.
He was awarded the Silver Peacock Prize in India in 1965 for the best male role in the film "The Don Story."
His last works at the Lencom were "The Thief," "The Dictatorship of Conscience" and "The Prayer for the Dead." He performed in a total of approximately 200 drama and cinema roles.
Despite the death of the leading actor, Lencom Theater authorities said they intend to proceed with the play.
A memorial service will be held at the theater at noon on Tuesday.
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