Actress Natalya Krachkovskaya dies, aged 77

[dXTC]

Those of us here at MR who aren't Russian or foreign film fans may not know her, but she was loved by millions throughout Russia and beyond. Ms. Krachkovskaya starred in several memorable Soviet-era films and Russian television series, including The 12 Chairs and Kafe Klubnichka, and was one of the most recognized comic actresses in 20th-century Russian film history.

She passed away from myocardial infarction on March 3, 2016. Natalya had suffered from heart and circulatory problems for some years.

Прощай, любимая...

Announcement on Armenian news site, in English

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Those of us here at MR who aren't Russian or foreign film fans may not know her, but she was loved by millions throughout Russia and beyond. Ms. Krachkovskaya starred in several memorable Soviet-era films and Russian television series, including The 12 Chairs and Kafe Klubnichka, and was one of the most recognized comic actresses in 20th-century Russian film history.

She passed away from myocardial infarction on March 3, 2016. Natalya had suffered from heart and circulatory problems for some years.

Прощай, любимая...

Announcement on Armenian news site, in English

What a wonderful idea to include and reference Russian (Soviet era included) actors and actresses on MR in addition to the more usual names from the American continent.

We tend to forget in the west that Russia had a rich tradition of art, satire, comedy and music, and its own popular and much loved success stories on TV which resonated for audiences in that part of the world.

RIP Ms Natalya Krachkovskaya.

 

[dXTC]

Here is one of Natalya's finest moments, from The 12 Chairs (12 стульев). Her character, Mme. Gritsatsuyeva, has been tirelessly looking for her newlywed husband Mr. Bender (who only married her for access to a particular chair, and abandoned her soon thereafter-- read the book or see the movie for details**). She manages to find him in a magazine publishing house, and the result is this scene, a hallmark of Russian physical comedy. This and other memorable roles earned her the Meritorious Artist award, the Soviet/Russian equivalent of a Kennedy Center Honors award in the USA.

Shortly after this scene ends, Mr. Bender comes back, finds her shoes, and places them beside her sleeping body, whispering "Прощай, любимая" (Proshai, lyubimaya, loosely translated as "Farewell, my beloved"). A recent Russian TV tribute to her had that as a fitting title.

** Yes, there are English subtitles available on that YouTube link.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Here is one of Natalya's finest moments, from The 12 Chairs (12 стульев). Her character, Mme. Gritsatsuyeva, has been tirelessly looking for her newlywed husband Mr. Bender (who only married her for access to a particular chair, and abandoned her soon thereafter-- read the book or see the movie for details**). She manages to find him in a magazine publishing house, and the result is this scene, a hallmark of Russian physical comedy. This and other memorable scenes earned her the Meritorious Artist award, the Soviet/Russian equivalent of a Kennedy Center Honors award in the USA.

Shortly after this scene ends, Mr. Bender comes back, finds her shoes, and places them beside her sleeping body, whispering "Прощай, любимая" (Proshai, lyubimaya, loosely translated as "Farewell, my beloved"). A recent Russian TV tribute to her had that as a fitting title.

** Yes, there are English subtitles available on that YouTube link.

Thanks for sharing this and for the link. Enjoyed watching it.

 

[JamesMike]

A very funny lady.