Russian actor Yefim Startsev, known for appearances in the television series “Menty Wars” and “Our Special Forces,” was killed while fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine. He was 50 years old. Information about his death emerged only recently, although he was reportedly killed on September 30.

Russian media, citing people close to the actor, reported that Startsev was buried in St. Petersburg near members of his family.

It remains unclear how Yefim Startsev ended up participating in the war against Ukraine or under what circumstances he joined the Russian occupation forces.

The latest projects listed in Startsev’s filmography date back to 2022. Among them was the series “The Excellent Five 5,” where he portrayed gym director Mikhail Kanavin.

Yefim Startsev: what the actor was known for

Yefim Startsev was born on May 21, 1976. He began appearing on screen no later than 2015 and mostly worked in Russian detective, crime, and action television series. One of his more recognizable roles was Panayotov’s security guard in the popular Russian series “Menty Wars.”

Another production featuring the actor was “Our Special Forces,” in which he played a criminal. Startsev also appeared in the series “Leningrad 46,” “Sea Devils: Tornado 2,” “Nevsky: The Architect’s Shadow,” “Chief: Men’s Work,” “The Excellent Five 5,” and “Guardians of the Fatherland 3.”