The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater has announced the death of People's Artist of Ukraine Yevhen Shakh. According to colleagues, the actor was 80 years old; the official statement did not disclose the cause of death. The sad news was published on the theater's official Facebook page, where the company dedicated a farewell message to their colleague, emphasizing that they will remember him not only as a talented artist, but also as "a very bright person."

Colleagues' Farewell: "Whose Presence Makes Life Brighter"

In its farewell message, the theater called Shakh "an incredibly bright, sincere, and kind person" who "knew how to be genuine both on stage and in life." According to colleagues, Yevhen Mykhailovych "had so much emotional warmth, humanity, and love for people that it seemed enough for everyone nearby." The actor was also praised for his ability to support and bring good mood even in difficult moments. The collective thanked fate for the years of working together, performances, and shared joys, expressing condolences to the actor's family and loved ones.

The Journey from the Lviv Studio to the Franko Stage

Yevhen Shakh was born on February 9, 1946, in the urban-type settlement of Kulykiv in the Lviv region. He began his professional career in the drama studio at the Ivan Franko Theater, graduating in the mid-1960s (according to several publications, in 1966), after which he joined the theater's troupe, tying almost his entire creative life to it. The actor received additional professional education at the Kyiv State Institute of Theater Arts named after Ivan Karpenko-Kary.

Repertoire and Recognition

On the Franko stage, the artist embodied many diverse roles. Among the performances with his participation are "Martin Borulia," "The Forest," "The Marriage of Figaro," "Tevye Tevel," and "Aeneid." Shakh's craftsmanship was recognized at the state level: he received the title of Honored and later People's Artist of Ukraine (the title of People's Artist, according to publications, was awarded in 2006). He also became a laureate of the "Kyiv Pectoral" theater award for the role of Omelko in the play "Martin Borulia" (2001).

A Voice Familiar to Millions

A special place in the audience's memory was occupied by Shakh's work in dubbing: it was his voice that spoke as Professor Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in the Ukrainian version of the Harry Potter films. This role made the actor recognizable to a wide audience and, according to colleagues, gave his voice "a special place in the memory of many Ukrainian viewers." Over nearly six decades of creative activity, Yevhen Shakh left a notable mark on Ukrainian theater, cinema, and dubbing.