Valery Yakovlev, People's Artist of the USSR, has died

People's Artist of the USSR, artistic director of the Chuvash Drama Theater Valery Yakovlev died at the age of 85. This was announced by the head of Chuvashia Oleg Nikolaev on December 21.

"Valery Nikolaevich was not only a talented artist, director and artistic director, but also a real father for the theater," he wrote in his Telegram channel.

Nikolaev noted the artist's invaluable contribution to the development of culture in Chuvashia and called him an outstanding figure of theater art. According to him, Yakovlev's talent, energy and devotion to the theater "left an indelible mark in the hearts" of colleagues and spectators.

The head of the republic added that the wisdom and professionalism of the artist became an example for many generations.

Valery Yakovlev was born on September 25, 1939 in the Chuvash Republic. At the Lunacharsky State Institute of Theatrical Art (GITIS) he graduated from the acting and directing faculties.

As an artist he made his debut in 1961 on the stage of the Chuvash Academic Drama Theater. In 1967 Yakovlev was appointed stage director, in 1979 he became chief director. He held the position of artistic director since 1990.