The message reads, in part:

“Ilya Oleynkov was a famous actor, a charming man of many talents, whose work was known and loved by millions of viewers in Russia. His mastery of the profession and sense of humour helped him to create vivid screen images. And of course his television programme Gorodok, in which he took part for over 20 years, gained him a huge following from among different generations.

Ilya Oleynkov is no longer with us, but he has left behind the fantastic roles he played, leaving us with a warm-hearted and fond memory of him.”