Russian actor and clown Sergei Maksimov, known professionally as Maks Maksimov, has died in his 81st year of life. His widow confirmed the news of his death to state news agency TASS, reporting that he passed away on the morning of August 29.
Maksimov built a broad performing career across circus stages, television, and film, appearing in more than 20 productions. He was widely recognized by audiences for his roles in the television series Dark Side of the Moon and the movie project The Diamond Hunters.
Circus training and background
Born in Moscow on August 5, 1946, Maksimov pursued specialized education in clowning and physical theatre. He graduated from the Creative Workshop of Clown Genres and later completed studies at the directing faculty of GITIS, the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts. Located in Moscow, GITIS is the oldest drama school in Russia and one of the largest performing arts institutes in Europe.
Early in his career, Maksimov worked as an acrobat clown with Soyuzgoscirk, the Soviet state circus organization. The agency managed circus venues and touring troupes across the Soviet Union, developing a globally renowned tradition of acrobatic and comic performance.
Television and film roles
Maksimov later transitioned into screen acting, building a versatile list of screen credits in television series and feature films. His television work included an appearance in Doctor Zhivago, a series adapted from the novel by Boris Pasternak, as well as roles in the musical film Die Fledermaus and the comedy movie Country of Wonders.
He also performed in the military drama series Desantny Batya. His screen career included prominent television credits such as Dark Side of the Moon, a Russian detective series adapted from the BBC show Life on Mars, and the crime drama The Diamond Hunters.
