50-year-old Russian actor Yefim Startsev, known for his roles in domestic detective TV series including 'Mentovskiye Voyny' and 'Nash Spetsnaz', has been killed in the war against Ukraine. His death became known in October 2026, although the funeral had already taken place earlier.
Circumstances of Death and Funeral
According to Russian media citing the actor's inner circle, Yefim Startsev was killed on September 30, 2026, while serving with Russian occupation forces in Ukraine. News of his death was publicly confirmed only on October 22, by which time mourning ceremonies had concluded. A close friend of the actor named Dmitry stated that the farewell ceremony took place on October 19 in Saint Petersburg. He was buried at the City Peterhof Cemetery next to his relatives.
Film Career and Theater Work
Yefim Startsev was born on May 21, 1976, and received his professional acting education in Saint Petersburg. Throughout his career, he appeared in 19 projects, primarily in crime and detective genres. Among his notable television works are roles in 'Mentovskiye Voyny' (season nine, where he played Panaiotov's bodyguard), 'Nash Spetsnaz 3', 'Nevsky. Shadow of the Architect', and 'Magnificent Five 5'. In addition to film work, Startsev had theatrical experience; from 2015 to 2017, he collaborated with the training theater of the Baltic Institute of Ecology, Politics and Law, playing the Magician in the play 'An Ordinary Miracle'.
Biographical Details and Recent Projects
The exact circumstances of Startsev's deployment to the combat zone and the specific front line sector where he served remain unknown. His official filmography lists his latest works in 2024 with the series 'Filin 3' and 'Nash Spetsnaz 3'. His death adds to the list of Russian cultural figures killed during the armed conflict.
