How Oleg Yankovsky's son defeated oncology, and why he hardly gives interviews

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Philip Yankovsky began his film career at the age of five, when he first appeared on the set of the film "The Mirror" by Andrei Tarkovsky. For the second time, he will appear in the frame only 12 years later, and then completely abandon the career of an actor, preferring to make films on his own. The standard of attitude to the profession of an actor for him has always been his father, Oleg Ivanovich Yankovsky. And it was his words that made Philip Yankovsky refuse to be interviewed.

Originally from childhood

Childhood memories of Philip Jankowski are associated with a feeling of boundless and all-consuming happiness. First, in Saratov, where his parents worked at a local drama theater, and little Philip actually grew up behind the scenes. Then in Moscow, where Oleg Yankovsky and Lyudmila Zorina moved in 1973, when their son was not even five years old.

The creative atmosphere in which Philip grew up played a role in the choice of his future profession. Already at the age of five, he starred in the role of Alyosha in Andrei Tarkovsky's film "The Mirror", from which the boy's acquaintance with the world of cinema began. But he no longer wanted to act in films, but to create them. After receiving a certificate of maturity, Philip Yankovsky entered the course of Oleg Tabakov at the Moscow Art Theater School, and even in his student years he began to appear on the stage of the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater, where he played many bright roles.

After receiving his diploma, he immediately became a student of the directing department of VGIK in the workshop of Vladimir Naumov. True, the end of the institute coincided with a difficult time for cinema. There was nothing even for Philip Yankovsky to shoot his graduation film, and he began his directing career with small forms, as he calls video clips and commercials.

The very first feature film "On the Move", shot by a young director, received well-deserved recognition. Thanks to this particular picture, the star of Konstantin Khabensky was lit at one time, who until then had starred only in serials. And in the film "State Councilor" Philip Yankovsky managed to collect a truly stellar cast: Oleg Tabakov, Fyodor Bondarchuk, Vladimir Mashkov, Oleg Menshikov, Mikhail Efremov and other wonderful actors.

Oleg Yankovsky was undoubtedly proud of his son. Philip consulted with him more than once, but the most important thing was simple communication and the father's faith in his son. The most important words were spoken as if by chance, in between times. Once Philip And Oleg Yankovskiy watched together on TV an interview of a very famous actor. It was then that Oleg Ivanovich pondered, looking at the screen, and then told his son that the actor still had to say someone else's text.

Philip Yankovsky remembered these words for the rest of his life and still tries not to give interviews if there is no significant informational occasion for him, for example, the upcoming premiere of a film or a play where he was filming or which he filmed himself.

The twists and turns of life

Philip Yankovsky was very upset by the death of his father, who died in 2009. He desperately missed his presence, his approving gaze, words of encouragement or even criticism. But he learned to conduct an internal dialogue with him and look at his work through his eyes. He not only did not retire, on the contrary, he tried to load himself with work in full. And my mother demanded special attention at that time.

The pain of loss had not yet passed when the Yankovsky family was awaiting a new test. In the same year, Philip Yankovsky himself was diagnosed with cancer, and in the third stage. For seven years, the actor tried to defeat a terrible illness, but he answered all the questions of journalists who were interested in his well-being with only a smile and categorically denied the very fact that he had oncology.

The actor had to undergo seven courses of chemotherapy. The main treatment took place in Israel and, fortunately, has been very successful. In 2016, Philip Yankovsky thanked everyone who was worried about his health and announced that the disease had been defeated. All these years, Oksana Fandera, his beloved and only wife, with whom he has been married for more than 30 years, has provided invaluable help to her husband.

Together they were able to overcome the most serious trials and, despite numerous rumors about their separation, save their family. They learned to trust each other, not to be jealous and not to sort things out. For each of them, the family is the meaning of life and a reason for pride, and Philip Yankovsky has something to be proud of.

His children, Ivan and Lisa, also became actors. Ivan is today considered one of the most sought-after young actors in Russian cinema. He studied at the Moscow International Film School, then entered the acting and directing department at GITIS. Ivan Yankovsky has twice become a laureate of the Golden Eagle Prize, he serves in the Studio of Theater Arts and actively collaborates with the Yermolova Theater. Elizaveta graduated from the directing department of GITIS, managed to make her debut as an actress on the stage of the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater, and starred in several films.

Philip Yankovsky considers himself a very happy person. He always had reliable protection and support - his family. First, the parents, who taught their son not only to work conscientiously, but most importantly - to love his family, profession, homeland and life itself. And now - his wife and children, his support, strong rear and the meaning of existence.

Oksana Fandera and Philip Yankovsky have been together for over 30 years, and at the same time always extremely reluctant to talk about their personal life. But when rumors about their upcoming divorce appear, the spouses seem to stand shoulder to shoulder to protect their family and confidently declare: there will be no separation.