Boris Ulitin, a distinguished Soviet and Russian actor known for his work in theater, cinema, 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 honored as a Merited Artist of Russia, 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 Drama Theater "Na Liteinom", while his mother was a ballerina at the Mariinsky Theater. Despite the hardships of the Leningrad Siege during World War II, Ulitin remained in the city, reuniting with his mother only in 1943. His passion for acting led him to graduate from a theater institute in 1961, after which he joined the Comedy Theater named after Nikolai Akimov, where he worked for nearly 60 years.
Ulitin's contributions to the arts were widely recognized. In 1993, he was awarded the title of Merited Artist of Russia, followed by the Order of Merit for the Fatherland in 2004 and the Order of Friendship in 2009. Beyond his theatrical work, Ulitin became a household name through his voice acting in iconic films such as "Star Wars", "Alien vs. Predator", and "Pirates of the Caribbean". He lent his voice to over 40 films and animated features, including "Amélie", "Hellboy", and "Monsters, Inc.".
The St. Petersburg Committee for Culture expressed deep condolences to Ulitin's family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to the arts. His passing marks the end of an era for Russian theater and cinema, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.