Remarkable figure Ivan Krasko, believed to be nearly immortal, has passed away. He outlived his son, had numerous romantic relationships, and displayed tenacity until his final moments.
Ivan Krasko: A Legendary Figure in Russian Theatre and Film
Ivan Krasko, born Ivan Ivanovich Bakhvalov, was a renowned Soviet and Russian stage and film actor and writer, known for his extraordinary life span and significant contributions to the arts in St. Petersburg. Born on September 23, 1930, in Vartemyagi, Leningrad Oblast, he passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 94[1][2][4].
Orphaned at five, Krasko was initially raised by his grandmother before being adopted by his maternal uncle, Ivan Krasko, from whom he took his stage surname[4]. After serving in the Danube Flotilla and studying philology at Leningrad University, Krasko transferred to the Leningrad Theatre Institute named after Alexander Ostrovsky, graduating in 1961[1][4].
Krasko's acting career began at the Tovstonogov Bolshoi Drama Theater (1961–1965). From 1965 onward, he was a permanent member of the Komissarzhevskaya Theatre troupe in St. Petersburg, where he worked with notable actors and directors, gaining renown for over 100 stage roles and excellence in classic Russian literature readings on radio[1][3]. He also appeared in more than 50 films and television shows[3]. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the title People's Artist of Russia in 1992[1][2].
Krasko was married multiple times and fathered five children, including Andrey Krasko, who also became a notable actor[1][3]. His grandson, Jan Aleksandrowicz-Krasko, continued the acting legacy[3].
In his later years, Krasko suffered a stroke and required long-term medical care, spending time in intensive care and rehabilitation centers in St. Petersburg[2]. He died on August 9, 2025, and was buried in Komarovo next to his son[2][5]. During his funeral, a traditional three-gun salute ritual for former military personnel was partially performed, drawing attention from attendees[5].
Throughout his life, Krasko dreamt about his son, Andrei, even in the hospital. He believed that his long life might have been destined by Andrei, as he couldn't do certain things himself. Andrei, who lived by the principles of a character from "Agent of National Security," passed away in 2006[1][3]. Krasko often expressed that he was sure Andrei could see everything from the afterlife.
Krasko's testosterone was described as being almost 100 years old, coming from his long life. He once made a humorous comment about his personal life, stating that he never used anything but celery and no Viagra[1][3]. Despite the public interest in his personal relationships, particularly one with a woman 60 years younger, Krasko became a character in meme culture, often jokingly referred to as a "freak" in discussions about his personal life[1][3].
In summary, Ivan Krasko’s long life and illustrious theatrical career made him a prominent cultural figure and one of St. Petersburg’s most distinguished long-lived residents, leaving a lasting legacy in Russian theatre and film[1][2][3][4][5].
Despite his extensive career in Russian theatre and film, Ivan Krasko, the legendary figure, was also a subject of pop-culture discussions due to his personal life, becoming a character in meme culture. His life story and relationships, particularly one with a woman considerably younger, were often topics of entertainment among celebrities and the public.
