Andrey Mironov.

Андрей Александрович Миронов Андрей Александрович Менакер

Andrey Mironov — Actor

Born 7 Mar 1941 Moscow, Russia

Died 16 Aug 1987 Riga, Latvia

Citizenship Russia

Would Be 85 yr If Living

9 min read

Reading time

1,740

Words

Jul 5, 2026

Published

64

Film credits

3

Awards

TL;DR

Comedic actor Andrey Mironov played Kozodoev in Leonid Gaidai’s 1969 film The Diamond Arm, which sold over 76 million tickets in the Soviet Union. He studied at the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute and joined the Moscow Theatre of Satire in 1962, remaining there until his death. Mironov collapsed onstage in Riga in 1987 from a brain hemorrhage and died two days later at age 46.

Identity & family.

KIN · 6

Names, aliases, and relatives of Andrey Mironov — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Андрей Александрович Менакер

Native Name Андрей Александрович Миронов

Nicknames Andriusha

Aliases A. Mironov, Andrej Mironov, Andriej Mironow

Parents: Maria Mironova Aleksandr Menaker
Spouses: Larisa Golubkina Ekaterina Gradova
Children: Maria Mironova
Siblings: Kirill Laskari

At a glance.

STATS

Andrey Mironov by the numbers — life, work, and family.

46 Years lived

64 Film credits

3 Awards

2 Marriages

1 Child

Who was Andrey Mironov?

BIOGRAPHY

Andrey Mironov — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Andrey Mironov entered the world on March 7, 1941, in Moscow, the son of Soviet comedic actors Mariya Mironova and Aleksandr Menaker. Growing up surrounded by theater, he was nearly born onstage — his mother was taken to the hospital directly from a performance.

From 1958 to 1962, he studied acting at the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute the Vakhtangov Theatre School, where he studied Russian classical theater tradition.

Career

Mironov made his film debut in 1961’s A esli eto lyubov? directed by Yuli Raizman. His early roles included My Younger Brother 1962 and 3+2 1962. He first gained wide notice in Eldar Ryazanov’s Watch Out for the Automobile 1966, acting with Innokentiy Smoktunovskiy, Oleg Efremov, and Anatoliy Papanov.

In 1969, he played the bumbling jewel-smuggler Kozodoev in Leonid Gaidai’s The Diamond Arm. The film sold over 76 million tickets, making it the highest-grossing Soviet film. A 1995 national poll voted it the best Russian-Soviet film ever. Mironov also played Ostap Bender in the 1977 miniseries The Twelve Chairs directed by Mark Zakharov. His later comedies include An Ordinary Miracle 1978 and The Man from the Boulevard des Capucines 1987.

Personal life

Mironov married twice: first to actress Ekaterina Gradova, with whom he had a daughter, Maria Mironova also an actress; later to actress Larisa Golubkina, whose daughter Mariya Golubkina he adopted. His half-brother is Kirill Laskari.

His parents, Aleksandr Menaker and Mariya Mironova, were a comedic duo in the USSR. He was almost born onstage — his mother was taken to the hospital directly from a performance.

Legacy

The Soviet state named Mironov People’s Artist of the RSFSR in 1980 and awarded him the Medal For Labour Valour. He formed a comedic duo with Anatoliy Papanov; both died within 11 days of each other in August 1987. The Diamond Arm was voted the best Russian film of all time in a 1995 national poll.

Mironov died onstage in Riga while performing The Marriage of Figaro, collapsing in the arms of his friend Aleksandr Shirvindt. He was buried at Vagankovo Cemetery in Moscow. Not a single ticket was refunded for the performance scheduled the day after his death.

Filmography.

FILMS · 64

The complete filmography of Andrey Mironov — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

Fuse

1962
TV

KVN Major League

1986
TV

Celebrity Name Game

2014
TV

Evening Urgant

2012
TV

When Idols Were Gone

2005
TV

Legends of Cinema

2016
Movie

The Diamond Arm

1969
TV

The Twelve Chairs

1977
Movie

Beware of the Car!

1966
Movie

Unbelievable Adventures of Italians in Russia

1974
Movie

New Year's Abduction

1970
Movie

A Man from the Boulevard Des Capucines

1987
Movie

My Friend Ivan Lapshin

1985
Movie

Old Walls

1973

Showing 14 of 64 View all 64 films

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 3

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Andrey Mironov — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Medal For Labour Valour
People's Artist of the RSFSR
Merited Artist of the RSFSR

Did you know?

FACTS · 15

Little-known facts about Andrey Mironov — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

On the day after he died, he was booked to perform. People were offered a refund for their tickets. Not a single ticket was returned.
Died in the arms of his friend Aleksandr Shirvindt.
Was almost born on the stage: his mother was taken to the hospital right from the theater.
Died on the stage — 2 minutes before the end of his show.
Both his father Aleksandr Menaker and mother Mariya Mironova were actors.
He acted as a comic duo with Anatoliy Papanov in 12 стульев 1977, Beregis avtomobilya 1967, Brilliantovaya ruka 1968, etc. They died within eleven days of each other in August 1987 5th and 16th.
Father, with Ekaterina Gradova, of Mariya Mironova Masha Mironova.
Adopted Mariya Golubkina, the daughter of his second wife Larisa Golubkina.
Half brother of Kirill Laskari.
Mironov studied in the Vakhtangov Theatre School during the early 1950s.
On one of his tours through Latvia in 1987, he lost consciousness on stage while performing the lead role in The Marriage of Figaro. Thinking he was having a heart attack, the other actors hastily administered oral nitroglycerin, a drug commonly given to heart attack patients, but which can cause life threatening complications when mistakenly given to those suffering from cerebrovascular disease. He was driven to a hospital where two days later he was pronounced dead.
From 1958 to 1962, he studied acting at the Moscow Shchukin School.
On December 18, 1980, he was awarded the title of People’s Artist of the RSFSR. He also received the Medal For Labour Valour.
Mironov’s parents, Aleksandr Menaker and Maria Vladimirovna Mironova, were known nationwide as a comedic duo.
From June 18, 1962, to 1987, Mironov was a permanent member of the troupe at the Moscow Theatre of Satire.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 34

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Andrey Mironov.

When was Andrey Mironov born?

Andrey Mironov was born on March 7, 1941. He was born in Moscow, Russian SFSR, USSR, to actor parents Mariya Mironova and Aleksandr Menaker.
Where was Andrey Mironov born?

He was born in Moscow, Russian SFSR, USSR now Russia. His birth name was Andrei Aleksandrovich Menaker.
When did Andrey Mironov die?

Andrey Mironov died on August 16, 1987. He was 46 years old at the time of his death.
How old was Andrey Mironov when he died?

He was 46 years old when he died. He was born in 1941 and passed away in 1987.
Where did Andrey Mironov die?

He died in Riga, Latvian SSR, USSR now Latvia. He collapsed on stage during a performance of The Marriage of Figaro.
How did Andrey Mironov die?

Mironov died of a brain hemorrhage. He collapsed onstage in Riga on August 16, 1987, and was initially thought to be having a heart attack. He died two days later in a hospital.
What was Andrey Mironov's real name?

His real name at birth was Andrei Aleksandrovich Menaker. He later took the stage name Mironov, which was his mother’s surname.
What is Andrey Mironov's name in Russian?

In Russian, his name is Андрей Александрович Миронов. The Latin transliteration varies as Andrei or Andrey Mironov.
What does Andrey Mironov do for a living?

He was an actor, director, and music crew member. He is best known for his comedic film roles and his work at the Moscow Theatre of Satire.
What nationality is Andrey Mironov?

He was Russian by citizenship, hailing from the Soviet Union. He was born in Moscow, which was then part of the USSR.
Who are Andrey Mironov's parents?

His parents were Maria Mironova and Aleksandr Menaker. Both were actors in the Soviet Union, known as a comedic duo.
Who was Andrey Mironov married to?

He was married twice: first to actress Ekaterina Gradova and later to actress Larisa Golubkina. With Gradova he had a daughter, Maria.
Does Andrey Mironov have children?

Yes, he had one biological child, Maria Mironova also an actress, with his first wife Ekaterina Gradova. He also adopted Mariya Golubkina, the daughter of his second wife Larisa Golubkina.
Does Andrey Mironov have any siblings?

Yes, he had a half-brother named Kirill Laskari. They were related through his father Aleksandr Menaker.
Where did Andrey Mironov go to school?

He studied at the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute also known as the Vakhtangov Theatre School from 1958 to 1962. This training prepared him for his career on stage and screen.
What awards has Andrey Mironov won?

He received the Medal For Labour Valour, was named People’s Artist of the RSFSR in 1980, and was a Merited Artist of the RSFSR. These are major state honors in the Soviet Union.
How many awards has Andrey Mironov won?

He won three major state awards: the Medal For Labour Valour, People’s Artist of the RSFSR, and Merited Artist of the RSFSR. He also received recognition at Soviet film festivals.
What is Andrey Mironov best known for?

He is best known for his comedic role as Kozodoev in The Diamond Arm 1969 and as Ostap Bender in The Twelve Chairs 1977. He is also famous for his partnership with actor Anatoliy Papanov.
How tall was Andrey Mironov?

He was 6 feet 0 inches 1.82 m tall. His height was typical for leading men in Soviet cinema and he often used his athletic build in comedic physical roles.
What was Andrey Mironov's nickname?

He was affectionately called Andriusha. This diminutive form of Andrei was used by friends and colleagues, reflecting his warm, approachable persona.
Why did Andrey Mironov use different names like A. Mironov?

He was sometimes credited as A. Mironov, Andrej Mironov, or Andriej Mironow in international releases. These variations arose from different transliteration systems for foreign distribution.
What happened on the night Andrey Mironov died?

He collapsed on stage in Riga while performing The Marriage of Figaro, just two minutes before the end of the show. He was taken to a hospital and died two days later from a brain hemorrhage.
Who was Andrey Mironov's best-known acting partner?

He frequently acted with Anatoliy Papanov. They starred together in films like The Diamond Arm 1969, Beware of the Car 1966, and The Twelve Chairs 1977. Both died within 11 days of each other in 1987.
What is The Diamond Arm about?

The Diamond Arm is a 1969 Soviet comedy directed by Leonid Gaidai. It follows a tourist who unknowingly becomes a jewel smuggler. Mironov played Kozodoev, a bumbling accomplice.
How many admissions did The Diamond Arm sell?

It sold over 76 million tickets in 1969, making it the highest-grossing film in Soviet history. In 1995 it was voted the best Russian-Soviet film of all time.
Did Andrey Mironov have children?

Yes, one biological daughter Maria Mironova born from his marriage to Ekaterina Gradova and an adopted daughter Mariya Golubkina from his marriage to Larisa Golubkina.
What schools did Andrey Mironov attend?

He studied at the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute also called the Vakhtangov Theatre School from 1958 to 1962. He also attended school in Moscow earlier.
What was Andrey Mironov's relationship with Anatoliy Papanov?

They were frequent co-stars and close friends, forming a popular comedic duo in Soviet cinema. They appeared together in The Diamond Arm, Beware of the Car, and The Twelve Chairs. Papanov died 11 days before Mironov in 1987.
Why is The Diamond Arm significant in Soviet cinema?

It is the highest-grossing Soviet film ever, with over 76 million admissions. It is widely regarded as a classic of Russian comedy and was voted the best Russian-Soviet film in a 1995 national poll.
What awards did Andrey Mironov receive?

He was awarded the Medal For Labour Valour, the title of People’s Artist of the RSFSR 1980, and Merited Artist of the RSFSR. These are prestigious state honors.
Where is Andrey Mironov buried?

He is buried at Vagankovo Cemetery in Moscow, Russia. His grave is a site of tribute for fans.
What was Andrey Mironov's last film?

One of his last films was The Man from the Boulevard des Capucines 1987, released shortly before his death. He played Johnny First.
Did Andrey Mironov work as a director?

Yes, he was also a director and is credited in music crew roles. However, he is primarily remembered for his acting career.
What is the Moscow Theatre of Satire?

It is a prominent theater in Moscow where Mironov was a permanent member from 1962 until his death in 1987. He performed in many productions there, including The Marriage of Figaro.

View all 34 questions View fewer questions

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Published on July 5, 2026

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