The TV series The Return of Mukhtar brought fleeting fame to many actors, yet their subsequent lives were marked by tragedy—prompting fans to seriously consider the possibility of a curse surrounding the project.
Movies and TV shows featuring dogs have always been a guaranteed hit. These projects appeal to viewers across all age groups, with classics like Lassie and Commissioner Rex proving the point. In 2004, Russian channel NTV premiered The Return of Mukhtar, a TV series about a loyal canine partner who assists the police with investigations.
The show’s unexpected success led producers and writers to create season after season. Over 15 years, The Return of Mukhtar garnered hundreds of thousands of viewers. However, many fans were unaware of the personal hardships and dramatic stories unfolding behind the scenes among their favorite actors.
Alexander Nosik
Alexander Nosik was already a respected actor before his role in The Return of Mukhtar, but the series catapulted his popularity to new heights. Hundreds of fans admired the artist, although he sought to maintain a respectable public image. Yet, in his personal life, Nosik experienced turbulent relationships both during and after filming.
He had several serious long-term relationships, but none ended in marriage until fall 2011, when he married Olga, a copyright specialist. Their seeming happiness was disrupted when singer Anastasia Krainova entered his life. Krainova revealed in a YouTube interview that they had a brief relationship while Nosik was still legally married, causing public scrutiny.
After his relationship with Krainova ended, Nosik kept his private life out of the spotlight. Recently, the 50-year-old actor remarried and became a father, dispelling rumors that he was unable to have children, despite ongoing speculation online.
Natalya Yunnikova
Natalya Yunnikova, who portrayed Vasilisa Mikhailova, quickly won the audience’s sympathies. However, few knew the hardships she endured in her youth, including poverty and a traumatic assault by a fellow student during her theater studies. The ensuing emotional turmoil nearly destroyed her spirit.
Support came from her beloved, Anton Fedotov, with whom she had her only son, Roland. Though Natalie struggled financially at first, her role in The Return of Mukhtar brought both fame and financial stability over six years. Yet off-screen, she grappled with romantic pain so profound that she once contemplated suicide, saved only by her son’s timely intervention.
After leaving the series, Yunnikova faced career challenges, culminating in a tragic accident in September 2017 that resulted in a brain hemorrhage. She was placed into an induced coma and sadly never recovered. Her death at age 37 shocked fans and colleagues alike. Now, her father cares for her son, while Anton Fedotov maintains privacy around the tragedy.
Alexey Moiseev
Alexey Moiseev was a fan favorite during his tenure from seasons three to eleven. Known for his sincerity and honesty, fans were stunned in 2019 when private details of his life surfaced, revealing he left his wife for a younger woman. Despite an ensuing pregnancy, a DNA test disproved Moiseev’s paternity.
Although he eventually reconciled with his wife, more allegations of pregnancies from other women followed, tarnishing his public image. Moiseev has since expressed frustration with being typecast in crime drama roles, even as he continues to act.
Sergey Romanyuk
Sergey Dmitrievich Romanyuk was a beloved Ukrainian actor who appeared briefly in The Return of Mukhtar. His untimely death on March 3, 2019, in Ivano-Frankivsk stunned fans and colleagues. The actor had been vibrant and full of energy, actively preparing performances just before his passing, according to the local mayor.
The sudden loss led some fans to speculate about a curse linked to the series, although Romanyuk’s extensive career beyond this role remains celebrated.
Oksana Stashenko
Oksana Stashenko’s character Jeannette appeared from the first through eleventh seasons, enduring numerous trials. Off-set, Oksana’s life was equally tumultuous: she married six times and experienced painful relationships involving abuse and betrayal. Eventually, she found lasting happiness with her current husband Vlad, with whom she has been married over 10 years.
Though 55 years old, Stashenko still dreams of having children, a hope she keeps mostly private.
Taras Melnichuk
Taras Melnichuk played a minor role in The Return of Mukhtar early in his career. After 2012, he appeared in several noteworthy films, but his promising trajectory was cut short by a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in 2015.
Despite a determined fight supported by colleagues who raised funds for treatment in Israel, his condition worsened. Tragically, Taras passed away in late 2018 at just 27 years old, leaving a wave of condolences from fans and loved ones.
Alla Nazareva
Alla Nazareva, dubbed the “Russian Brigitte Bardot” during the perestroika era, starred in The Return of Mukhtar for about five years. Known for her candid early 1990s photo shoots, Nazareva remained devoted throughout her life to director Alexander Polynnikov despite a 28-year age gap.
The couple has no children, though Alla once considered IVF but refrained due to her Orthodox faith. Since 2016, Nazareva’s acting roles have been limited, leading to a period of professional obscurity she openly acknowledges but hopes to overcome.
Vladimir Zlatoustovsky
Vladimir Zlatoustovsky, director of The Return of Mukhtar for over a decade, also succumbed to tragedy in 2019. Described as cheerful and full of plans until his final days, Zlatoustovsky was renowned for his work on the legendary film Officers, including performing its main theme. Many actors from the series mourned him as a mentor and guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there really a curse associated with The Return of Mukhtar?
While some fans speculate about a curse due to the personal tragedies involving the cast and crew, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. Such beliefs often arise around popular projects marked by unfortunate events.
Who played Mukhtar the dog in the series?
The loyal canine Mukhtar was portrayed by trained police dogs, which added authenticity and emotional depth to the series, captivating audiences across Russia.
Are the actors from The Return of Mukhtar still active in the industry?
Many actors from the series continue their careers in film and television, though some have faced personal struggles or shifted to other professions.
Where can I watch The Return of Mukhtar?
The series is often available on Russian TV channels and streaming platforms; fans can check local listings or specialized online services for availability.
What impact did The Return of Mukhtar have on Russian television?
Spanning over 15 years, the series popularized crime dramas featuring canine partners and highlighted the bond between humans and service animals, influencing later productions.
