Moscow Bids Farewell to Director Alexander Oleynikov
On January 28, farewell was said to the famous TV host and director Alexander Oleynikov at TroeKurovskoye Cemetery in Moscow. He died at the age of 60, with a detached blood clot possibly being the cause of death.
His friends, colleagues, and fans came to bid farewell to Oleynikov. Some could not hold back tears even on the way to the mourning hall. Many carried bouquets of flowers to lay at the TV host«s coffin. MSK1.RU reports on how the farewell ceremony proceeded.
One of the first to arrive at the farewell ceremony was singer Dmitry Malikov with a bouquet of red roses. He did not have time to say anything to journalists and quickly entered the hall.
Singer Larisa Dolina also appeared at the mourning hall. She said that she always felt comfortable in Alexander Oleynikov«s company. The last time she saw Oleynikov was at the anniversary of actor Alexander Abdulov»s widow, Yulia.
«He loved life so much and lived it to the fullest. He charged everyone with his energy — a textbook example of how to live. He always managed to do everything everywhere, came up with such interesting projects, and always managed to be everywhere,» the singer told journalists.
According to Dolina, Oleynikov became a good friend to her.
«Sasha Oleynikov became my friend, not very close, but a friend in spirit, in attitude to life, in attitude to the profession. This is, of course, an irreplaceable loss, because there are many talented people, but so that they are also so bright, besides everything else, is rare,» she summarized.
Actor Konstantin Plotnikov (known for the role of Gorshok in the series «Korol i Shut» — «The King and the Jester») comforted his beloved Darya Oleynikova, who was mourning her father. During the mourning procession, she told how little time they spent together with her father.
«He didn»t take me to kindergarten, didn«t pick me up from school. I have no childhood photos with him. We didn»t know about each other for many years. But 13 years and 3 months ago we met and became a family,« Darya said at her father»s farewell.
Producer Alexander Mitroshenkov said that Oleynikov was always a kind and charming person.
«This forever shocked me. Once I was supposed to meet him, talk about business. And he says: »You excuse me, can I be with my friend?« I replied: »Yes, of course.« To my surprise, this friend turned out to be the famous director Govorukhin. And of course, I would have gladly talked with Sasha about business then. But it was such an interesting meeting with Govorukhin too,» the producer said.
Some colleagues and friends of the TV host delivered touching speeches at Oleynikov«s farewell. The head of Channel One, Konstantin Ernst, recalled how he last saw him. This happened at the farewell for the rector of the Moscow Art Theatre School-Studio, Igor Zolotovitsky.
«He approached me. We hugged, saying nothing to each other. What to say? Everything was clear,» Ernst recalled. «And in my worst nightmare, I could not imagine that in just 10 days I would be standing here. No offense to those present, I can imagine half of you in this setting, but Sasha — no. Still can»t.«
At the ceremony, Konstantin Ernst stood by Oleynikov«s coffin for a while, crossed himself, and placed his hand on his body, after which he returned to his place.
A powerful speech was also delivered by director Fyodor Bondarchuk. He said that Oleynikov«s death came suddenly. None of his loved ones can still believe what happened.
«Sasha is looking at us now and surely joking. Coming up with some of his next heavenly program. The way he left is strange. No one could believe it. Just took and switched off,» he said heavily. «He was a bright representative of the golden age of television, that»s true. Sasha, until we meet again.«
Also at Alexander Oleynikov«s farewell, actors Alexander and Yekaterina Strizhenov, deputy and TV host Pyotr Tolstoy, Mikhail Shvydkoy, and artist Nikas Safronov were noticed.
The pedestal on which the coffin lay was strewn with white and red flowers. Nearby, wreaths were displayed — from the Academy of Russian Television, Andrey Malakhov, from children and relatives, and various families. Margarita Simonyan also sent flowers — a wreath signed: «From Margarita and Tigran.»
After the ceremony ended, the coffin with Alexander Oleynikov«s body was carried out of the mourning hall. At the head of the column, a man carried a black-and-white photograph of the TV host. Despite heavy snowfall, many were in no hurry to disperse and saw him off on his last journey.
The TV host was buried in section 34, not far from the grave of singer Diana Gurtskaya«s husband — Pyotr Kucherenko.
Near the wooden cross, a photograph of Oleynikov and a plaque with the dates of birth and death were installed. The grave was lined with spruce branches and covered with bouquets of flowers. Nearby, memorial wreaths were placed, and someone put two bottles of vodka next to it.
Last September, Oleynikov attended the farewell for TV host Tigran Keosayan, and before that — for director Yuri Moroz. Then he said that they both «created a lot together,» only didn«t manage to quarrel.
