Igor and Victoria Keo: the illusion of love lasting 30 years

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

He was the greatest illusionist and magician of the Soviet era. She is his assistant in the arena. To understand the depth of their feelings, they had to be on the brink of life and death. And then live together for 30 happy years.

Igor Kio

Legends were written about his love affairs. Women of different ages fell under the influence of his indescribable charm.

The first wife of the novice illusionist Igor Kio was Galina Brezhneva, the daughter of the future General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee. He was 18, and she was already 32. Galina at that time was married to Yevgeny Milaev, and the romance broke out on a tour in Japan.

They met, despite numerous obstacles, constant surveillance and tacit disapproval of their relationship from Galina's parents. When they took a decisive step and signed, the law enforcement agencies intervened in the matter. In fact, their marriage was dissolved without the participation of the spouses. The family of Igor Kio and Galina Brezhneva lasted only 10 days.

But even this did not stop the ardent lovers from dating for several more years. At every opportunity, Igor flew to his beloved in Moscow to spend a few happy days or hours in the company of a dear person. Until the end of his days, Igor Kio had the deepest respect for the woman who became his first love and first wife.

The second time he entered into a marriage with Iolanta Olkhovikova. They lived together for 11 years, raised a wonderful daughter Vitusya. But a new love overtook the illusionist. Igor Kio could not resist his feelings. However, Iolanta Olkhovskaya very soon became the wife of Emil Kio, Igor's brother.

Young muse

Victoria just graduated from music school and planned to start teaching music at school. But at first, quite unexpectedly for her, Aleksandr Stefanovich offered her to film with him. He met the girl by chance on the street and explained that she was very suitable for his new painting by type. The girl agreed, work began on the role.

And on the set, the aspiring actress saw Viktor Doveiko. His son recently became the husband of an illusionist's assistant, which is why the famous magician was left without an assistant. Doveiko called Igor, who was in Sochi at the time. The girl was invited to the resort to assess her abilities.

Victoria herself was discouraged by such an influx of events in her own life. First a movie, then a real circus. And she went to Sochi, we decide, if not to go to work at Kio, then swim in the sea and sunbathe in the warm sun.

Love affair at work

Victoria came up to the role of an assistant. She refused to film in films without much regret. After all, it was much more interesting to work with a real wizard. Moreover, for an eighteen-year-old Soviet girl, the most promising prospects opened up6 work with a famous illusionist and tours not only in the Soviet Union, but also abroad.

Between Igor Kio and his assistant, sympathy arose quite quickly. But they both did not attach any importance to her. They even managed to forget about the planned dinner together. The wizard was married, and a year later Victoria became the wife of the circus juggler Igor Abert. The illusionist's assistant also began performing with her husband. And Igor Kio helped them at rehearsals, which he attended almost daily. After the premiere of the number, he was delighted with her abilities. And again he made a date, which they had not forgotten about. A secret romance broke out. The lovers were filled with passion. They began dating, hiding their relationship.

Then they had an accident together, after which Keo realized how dear this girl is to him. There was no longer any strength to hide, especially since their romance had already become public. Both filed for divorce.

Complicated happiness

She felt like the happiest woman in the world. After all, it was next to her that was the subject of dreams of many women. But the status of the wife of the great illusionist also obliged her to be always in shape. Her husband had charming assistants, she did not want to lose against their background, but now she was responsible not only to help her husband in the arena, but also to completely provide warmth and comfort in their common home. And it was not easy at all. Calm and restrained in public, Igor Emilievich could even afford to raise his voice at home, motivating him with the need for relaxation. In everyday life, he was a perfect master: he did not do anything about the house, but demanded the constant attention and care of his wife.

Victoria happily looked after her husband. She even refused to give birth to a child, believing that he would take her time and attention from her beloved husband. She tried to look perfect, very careful of herself. But she could not protect her husband from another love.

And even in the very prima donna of the Soviet stage, Alla Pugacheva. However, the romance did not last long, the adored Igor returned to his Victoria. She forgave him because she loved him. And she continued to look after her deity. She diligently prepared his favorite dishes, watched the clock so that he ate on time, even went to the doctors instead of him. He himself categorically refused to go to the hospital, despite chronic diseases, including diabetes. Victoria described to the doctors the symptoms of her husband's illnesses, received recommendations for treatment, and made sure that her husband drank medications on time.

Eternal love

In 2006, they celebrated the 30th anniversary of their love in Rio de Janeiro. And upon returning home, Igor Emilievich felt unwell. He was hospitalized. She cooked for him five times a day and ran to the hospital, she believed that her beloved would get back on his feet. But after being discharged from the hospital, his condition worsened. Another hospitalization, again a hospital ward. In August 2006, the great illusionist left this world.

Victoria Ivanovna continues to love him. She still speaks with delight and tenderness about her husband. And he dreams of fulfilling his desire by building a Magic Castle, which will be filled with magic. Victoria Ivanovna, despite her difficult financial situation, refuses to sell her husband's last gift - a ring with solar topaz - a symbol of their enduring love.

Igor and Victoria Keo met thanks to their work. Emmanuel Vitorgan and Alla Balter also learned what an office romance is and what it can lead to.