Thousands say farewell to Bohdan Stupka

Thousands of mourners came to Ivan Franko Theater on  July 24 to bid farewell to actor Bohdan Stupka, who died two days ago at the age of 71.

Stupka featured in more than 100 movies with leading roles in such films as, “With Fire and Sword,” “A Driver for Vera,” and recently “Taras Bulba,” while King Lear, Leo Tolstoy, King Oedipus and Jesus were among Stupka’s theatrical works.

The coffin was placed on the stage of Ivan Franko Theater where Stupka performed often. Flowers covered the stage.

“I’m not surprised so many people came,” said Hanna Prints, one of Stupka’s fans standing in line to attend the service. “Actually, I thought there would be more. Stupka is irreplaceable. Perhaps, there will be actors better than him, but no one will be like him.”

The ceremony started an hour late because several top officials paid their respects first, forcing ordinary people to wait in he street. President Viktor Yanukovych interrupted his vacation to come to Stupka’s memorial service.

Story by Olga Rudenko