“This is a heavy loss for Russian culture, to which Valentin Iosifovich dedicated his life.
An outstanding actor and master of artistic words, he was real and sincere in everything - on stage, on the screen, on the pages of books, in the words of poems and poignant epigrams, ”RIA Novosti quotes a telegram with condolences from the speaker.
She noted that Gaft had "a bright, distinctive talent and special energy."
"Each of his roles is played in its own way, unique and unrepeatable," the telegram emphasizes.
Matvienko also added that Valentin Iosifovich's work has been repeatedly awarded high state awards.
Soviet and Russian theater and film actor, theater director, People's Artist of the RSFSR Valentin Gaft died on December 12 at the age of 85.