People’s Artist of Ukraine Yevhen Shakh, whose theatrical career spanned decades and who lent his voice to Albus Dumbledore in the Ukrainian-language version of the Harry Potter film series, has died at the age of 80.
The news of his death was announced by the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater on its Facebook page, though no cause was provided. Shakh was widely recognized for his contributions to Ukrainian theater and dubbing, performing major stage roles and bringing a familiar voice to international cinematic characters.
“An incredibly bright, sincere, kind person. A talented actor who knew how to be real both on stage and in life,” the theater’s statement said.
“There was so much soul warmth, humanity and love for people in Yevhen Mykhailovych that it seemed enough for everyone who was nearby. We are endlessly grateful to fate for having the happiness to know him, to work nearby, to share the stage, joys and worries with him.”
Born on February 9, 1946, in the Lviv region, Shakh completed his training at the Drama Studio at the Ivan Franko Theater before officially joining its acting troupe in 1966.
Throughout his career, Shakh performed dozens of stage roles. His most prominent theatrical works included productions of Aeneid, U nediliu rano zillia kopala, Life’s Sea, and Shelmenko-Demyan.
In 2001, Shakh received the Kyiv Pectoral award for his portrayal of Omelko in a production of Martin Borula. He was designated a People’s Artist of Ukraine in March 2006.
Alongside his stage career, he appeared in screen productions including Stolen Happiness, I Am Near, and It Doesn’t Happen That Way. He also worked extensively in voice dubbing, providing the Ukrainian voice for characters most notably including the headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series.
The theater’s announcement marked another loss for the Kyiv artistic community, following the recent death of actor Ihor Tetruiev after a severe illness.
