Russian Stars Mourn Death of TV Host Yuri Nikolaev

The November weekend was overshadowed by news: TV host Yuri Nikolaev has died. The host of the shows «Dostoyanie Respubliki» (Heritage of the Republic) and «Utrennyaya Pochta» (Morning Mail) had been battling lung cancer for many years. The artist had been on the operating table multiple times, but on 4 November, doctors were unable to save his life. For many stars of the Russian show business, the death of a friend and idol was a real blow.

The death of the host was announced by Nikolai Tsiskaridze. He was the first to express condolences and published one of the last photographs of Yuri Nikolaev.

«Not long ago we were on air. We were celebrating the professional anniversary of a man who lit up so many stars… And just now the news came that he is no more… How bitter!» wrote the ballet artist in his blog.

Yuri Alexandrovich created and hosted the music competition «Utrennyaya Zvezda» (Morning Star) for many years. In it, children could showcase their vocal talents and gain popularity. One of the show«s participants was Sergey Lazarev. He is still grateful to Nikolaev and recalls how he considered him his godfather.

«Yuri Alexandrovich is a television guru from whom many learned, including me. A person whom we in «Neposedy» (The Fidgets) considered our godfather. A person with whom my childhood is associated, I spent a lot of time on the sets of «Utrennyaya Zvezda», for several years I observed the work of Yuri Alexandrovich. He was always very attentive to children and often supported them after the competition ended. Yuri Alexandrovich is one of those people who made a huge contribution to my creative destiny, and I will always remember this and be grateful,» Lazarev recalls with emotion.

Another star discovered by Nikolaev in the 90s was the singer Valeriya. In 1992, she first appeared on the big stage in the show «Utrennyaya Zvezda» and managed to win the main prize.

«I will always be grateful to him for that time, for the invaluable experience, and in general for the friendship and very tender attitude towards me. Yuri Nikolaev is a legend. He made a huge contribution to the development of our television. But, probably, the most important thing is that he left an indelible mark on the souls and hearts of people,» the singer told the editorial office of MSK1.RU.

The departure of Yuri Alexandrovich was hard for Igor Nikolaev to accept. According to the singer, they were close friends for many years, traveled a lot on tours and shoots, and the host called him son.

«It«s bitter and sad to lose people whom I knew and with whom I was friends for many years. A person who called me »sonny« all his life, and I called him »papa« simply because I am Yuryevich, because with him is associated a huge number of joint tours, shoots, trips, heartfelt unforgettable moments…. Yurochka, dear, you were ill for a long time, but you fought and believed that you could return to the profession, to your beloved viewers… May you rest in peace, my beloved and dear person!» mourns the close one Nikolaev.

Alla Pugacheva also spoke about the death of the host. The prima donna was friends with Nikolaev for a long time, but he could not understand and accept her departure from Russia, after which they stopped communicating. Despite the difficult relationship, the singer published one of Nikolaev«s photographs on her social networks with the caption: «Where is everyone going? Where?»

Not only singers but also hosts paid tribute to Nikolaev«s memory. Among the first was Dmitry Guberniev.

«Uncle Yura Nikolaev has left…. The idol of idols… Our beloved «Utrennyaya Pochta»,» wrote the commentator in his Telegram channel.

Announcer Vladimir Berezin thanked Nikolaev for his huge contribution to the profession. He noted that thanks to Nikolaev, his descendants can not just read the text, but convey emotions, give joy, and establish contact with people through the voice.

«When he suddenly, in addition to announcing the program schedule, started hosting «Utrennyaya Pochta», he always gave a good mood for all the weekends. He was a very decent person and never made friends against anyone. He either communicated with everyone, was benevolent, or did not communicate if the person was not interesting to him. I learned this from him too, so I am very, very sad. I have lost a teacher,» mourns Vladimir Berezin.

Said goodbye to the TV host were singer Ani Lorak, Pelageya, Grigory Leps, and other celebrities. Many people who could not express their feelings aloud but mentally said farewell words, as actor Nakhim Shifrin wrote: «Yurochka, farewell…»