According to Izvestia, before her passing, Alentova attended the funeral of her colleague, actor Anatoly Lobotsky, at the Mayakovsky Theater. However, her health suddenly deteriorated. Medical staff rushed her to the hospital in a state of clinical death, with her heart having stopped and resuscitation proving impossible.

The cause of Alentova's death is currently unknown, though some sources suggest her health had recently weakened due to severe high blood pressure. Her memorial service will be held at the Pushkin Theater, with the specific time yet to be announced.

Actress Vera Alentova in her youth, starring in "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears". Moscow Times.

Actress Vera Alentova in her youth, starring in "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears". Moscow Times.

Vera Alentova achieved global fame for her leading role as Katerina Tikhonova in "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears". She portrayed a talented young woman who overcame adversity to achieve success. The role established Alentova as one of the most renowned actresses of her generation. The film, directed by her husband Vladimir Menshov, won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Trailer for "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears". Russian Movie.

Alentova was born in 1942 in the town of Kotlas, Arkhangelsk province, Russia, growing up in a family with an artistic background. She graduated from the Moscow Art Theater School in 1965. After graduation, she joined the Pushkin Drama Theater, where she remained for over 50 years.

Throughout her career, Vera Alentova appeared in over 30 film and television projects, receiving numerous awards, including the USSR State Prize in 1981. In 2001, she was awarded the title People's Artist of Russia and the Order of Friendship.

Vera Alentova in her later years. Nina Zotina/ RIA Novosti.

Vera Alentova in her later years. Nina Zotina/ RIA Novosti.

In her personal life, Alentova married director Vladimir Menshov in 1963. Six years later, they welcomed their daughter, actress Yuliya Menshova. In 2021, the couple was hospitalized after contracting Covid-19. Not long after, Menshov passed away at the age of 82 due to complications. According to Izvestia, doctors only allowed Alentova to be discharged from the hospital the night before the funeral. Some funeral attendees noted she was too weak to speak at the service. However, just over one month later, she managed to return to the stage.

By Phuong Thao (via Izvestia)