Renowned Russian Actor Robert Lyapidevsky Dies at 90, Obraztsov Puppet Theater Announces
Legendary Russian actor Robert Lyapidevsky dies at 90 after COVID-19 battle
The artist worked at the theater for over 65 years
Robert Lyapidevsky, a People's Artist of Russia, has died at the age of 90, the Sergei Obraztsov State Academic Central Puppet Theater announced.
Family members told RIA Novosti that complications from COVID-19 were the cause of death. "It all started with COVID-19, which led to organ complications. After recovering from COVID-19, he worked at the theater for two more years, retired, and passed away at home today," a source told the agency.
Details regarding the date and location of the farewell ceremony have not yet been disclosed.
"The late Robert Anatolyevich Lyapidevsky was an impeccable role model and a man of rare soul. It is painful to lose such a wonderful person. His passing is an irreplaceable loss for his family, friends, fellow actors, and colleagues at the theater, for whom working and interacting with Robert Anatolyevich brought true joy and creative fulfillment. We extend our deepest condolences and share in this grief," the Obraztsov Theater stated.
Robert Lyapidevsky was born on February 4, 1937, into the family of the legendary pilot Anatoly Lyapidevsky, the first Hero of the Soviet Union. He graduated from the Nakhimov Naval School and later earned a degree in journalism from the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship Institute (now the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, RUDN). His path to the Obraztsov Theater was accidental—a friend who played in the theater's orchestra suggested he audition.
Lyapidevsky joined the Obraztsov Theater in 1959 and performed dozens of roles, including characters in The Divine Comedy, An Extraordinary Concert, Don Juan, The Tale of Tsar Saltan, The Comedy of Errors, Mowgli, and The Little Humpbacked Horse. He also voiced the fairy-tale character Yeti in the Expedition-2021 project at Obraztsov Park.
In 2013, he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the Russian Federation.
