Larisa Golubkina, Icon Of Soviet Theater, Passes Away

Larisa Golubkina, a revered icon of the Soviet stage, passed away on March 22, 2025, after a long struggle with health issues including cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Known for her significant contributions to the world of performing arts, Golubkina spent her final days receiving care in a hospice following her time in a sanatorium.

Celebrated for her talent and grace, she was an enduring figure in Russian theater, continuing to perform until the latter part of her life. According to Andrey Malakhov, a close friend and television presenter who conducted her last interview, Golubkina's decision to enter hospice care came after medical professionals designated her condition as palliative.

Born in a generation of exceptional artists, Golubkina was not just known for her illustrious roles but also for her personal resilience in the face of adversity during her decline. Her daughter, Maria Golubkina, shared that the costs of the sanatorium, which soared to 200,000 rubles a month, made it necessary for institutions like the Actors’ House to assist financially in her mother’s later days.

The legacy she leaves behind includes a three-room apartment located on Seleznevskaya Street, a mere two-minute walk from the Theater of the Army, where she acted for many years. This apartment holds not only fond memories but also considerable monetary value, estimated at around 27 to 30 million rubles.

In an intriguing part of her story, Golubkina's apartment has a complex history, marked by a legal dispute in 2013. In the late 1970s, she resided in a two-room apartment next to that of her husband, the renowned actor Andrei Mironov. Following Mironov's death in 1987, she combined their living spaces while preserving his office intact, crafting a unique homage to their life together.

As noted by legal expert Ivan Solovyov, under Russian inheritance laws, Golubkina’s daughter would inherit her estate unless a specific will states otherwise. This has sparked discussions about the fate of her belongings, given that the apartment itself is part of her legacy.

Moreover, Golubkina accumulated an impressive collection of antiques throughout her life, further enriching her estate, valued at approximately 10 million rubles. It’s a testament to her travels and experiences, showcasing a life lived fully and surrounded by the beauty of culture and history.

The discussion surrounding Golubkina's burial has also generated attention. While she expressed a wish to be buried next to her husband at Vagankovo Cemetery, where he was laid to rest in 1987, it was decided not to unite the couple’s graves. Various factors, including the high costs of burial plots and potential legal restrictions, influenced this decision. Reports suggest that she will instead be interred at Troyekurovsky Cemetery, known for housing numerous notable figures from the arts.

Reflecting on the decision, many friends, colleagues, and admirers expressed surprise on social media, questioning why her final resting place would not be alongside Mironov, considering their love story that transcended their time together. Critics have pointed out the emotional significance that such an arrangement would represent, particularly given their deep bond and history.

The farewell ceremony for Larisa Golubkina is scheduled for March 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on Three Hills, a place significant for her family and friends. This event marks a poignant moment for those who knew her, celebrating her life and the indelible mark she left on the Russian artistic community.

During the ceremony, photographic tributes adorned the entrance, accompanied by wreaths from the Ministry of Defense, the Investigative Committee, and personal friends like Andrey Malakhov, highlighting the impact Golubkina had on those around her. Malakhov, visibly emotional, shared his memories of her brilliance and resilience.

Maria Mironova, daughter of Andrei Mironov and step-sister of Maria Golubkina, also attended the service, indicating the intertwined fates of the Golubkina and Mironov families. The death of Golubkina seemed to resonate deeply, serving as a reminder of the legacy that her generation carried forward.

As acquaintances from the theater community gathered, sentiments of loss permeated the atmosphere. Stars like Aleksandr Strizhenov reminisced about the shared experiences, noting, “It feels as though our parents are fading away,” emphasizing the natural yet painful passage of time among their artistic peers.

The decision for Golubkina's burial place was further scrutinized by her family, as they had previously discussed burial arrangements together. While her mother, Maria Vladimirovna Mironova, had wished to be interred next to her son at Donskoye Cemetery, the family agreed not to unite the husband and wife in death, likely due to the limited space available or the costs associated with maintaining such a location. Experts suggest that the price of graves can range significantly, underscoring the financial aspects that often come into play in such decisions.

Though the private affairs surrounding Golubkina's passing are complex, what remains is the overwhelming respect and love from those whose lives she influenced during her storied career. Larisa Golubkina will be remembered, not just as a performer but as a significant cultural figure whose work will resonate for generations to come.