On March 20, 2025, Vadim Semenovich Zhuk, a celebrated Russian poet, actor, screenwriter, and television host, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 78. His death was announced during the XXX Open Russian International Animated Film Festival, commonly known as “Suzdalfest,” in Suzdal, Russia. Zhuk had been a key figure at the festival for many years.
Born on January 30, 1947, in Leningrad, Zhuk pursued a career in the arts, graduating from the Leningrad State Institute of Theater, Music, and Cinematography. He began his acting career in Siberian theaters before becoming the artistic director of the “Fourth Wall” theater in Saint Petersburg. Under his leadership, the theater gained national recognition, with many of its productions televised.
Zhuk was widely known as the screenwriter of the animated classic The Return of Budatino and as a songwriter for the popular series Masha and the Bear. He collaborated with renowned directors such as Alexander Sokurov, Igor Maslennikov, and Vladimir Khotinenko, appearing in more than 15 films, including Star of Captivating Happiness and Cyrano de Bergerac.
For two decades, Zhuk hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of Suzdalfest, becoming a beloved figure at the event. However, on March 19, 2025, a day before his passing, he was unexpectedly replaced as the festival’s host. He later expressed his sadness, saying, “You can’t imagine how painful it is for me to watch this fun,” as he remained in the audience.
On the morning of his death, Zhuk had breakfast at the festival’s hotel but later told those around him that he felt unwell. His wife, Marina Kurchevskaya, an accomplished animation artist, recalled that he passed away shortly afterward.
The news of his death deeply affected the artistic community. Film critic Larisa Malyukova confirmed his passing and paid tribute to his talent on her Telegram channel. “Vadim Semenovich hosted the festival’s ceremonies for many years and did so brilliantly. It hurts immensely. Rest in peace,” she wrote.
Beyond theater and television, Zhuk was a vocal critic of the war in Ukraine. Through his poetry, he spoke out against the conflict, publishing numerous anti-war poems and co-authoring the collection My Ukrainian Conscience, which was released in Kyiv.
His contributions to Russian culture earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Petropol and Tsarskoye Selo literary prizes. He was also honored at the Krok festival for his contributions to dramaturgy and the arts.
Zhuk’s passing marks a significant loss to the literary and artistic world. His work, from animated scripts to theater productions, leaves an enduring legacy. Fellow artists, critics, and admirers mourn the loss of a creative force whose impact will resonate for generations.
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