Yuri Nikolaev
Yuri Alexandrovich Nikolaev was a Soviet and Russian television and radio host and actor. He was awarded the title of People's Artist of Russia in 1998, and since 2007 was a member of the Academy of Russian Television. On 9 May 2007, he was awarded the Order of Friendship via presidential decree, and was awarded the Order of Honour on 14 January 2014 "for his great contribution in the development of national television, radio, print and many years of fruitful activity."
Nikolaev supported the Russian anti-LGBT propaganda law, which prohibits the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships". He also spoke out in support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Nikolaev died in Moscow on 4 November 2025, at the age of 76, from a combination of bowel cancer, lung cancer and pneumonia.