Boris Ulitin, a distinguished Soviet and Russian actor known for his work in theater, film, and voice acting, has passed away at the age of 85. The news of his death was confirmed by the St. Petersburg Committee for Culture on January 29. Ulitin, who was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Russia in 1993, had a career spanning over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the arts.
Born into a family deeply rooted in the arts, Ulitin's father managed the "Na Liteinom" drama theater, while his mother was a ballerina at the Mariinsky Theatre. Despite the hardships of the Leningrad Blockade during his childhood, Ulitin's passion for the stage never wavered. He graduated from a theater institute in 1961 and soon joined the Comedy Theatre, where he worked for nearly 60 years under the guidance of director Nikolai Akimov.
Ulitin's voice became iconic in Russian dubbing, particularly for his work on the "Star Wars" franchise, "Pirates of the Caribbean," and "Alien vs. Predator." Over his career, he lent his voice to more than 40 films and animated features, including "Amélie," "Hellboy," and "Monsters, Inc." His contributions to the arts were recognized with numerous awards, including the Order of Friendship in 2009.
The St. Petersburg Committee for Culture expressed deep condolences to Ulitin's family, friends, and colleagues. His passing marks the end of an era for Russian theater and cinema, but his work will continue to inspire future generations of artists.