People's Artist of Russia, Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army's actor, Fyodor Chekhankov, died on Wednesday in Moscow, on the 73rd year of his life.

      According to the actor's relatives and a Russian actress Valentina Talyzina, Chekhanov died at 21:00 pm Moscow time after a long illness.

      Fyodor Yakovlevich Chekhankov was born on September 21, 1939, in the Urals city of Chelyabinsk. His mother was an actress. After graduating from the M.S. Schepkin Higher Theatre School in 1961, he started working at the Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army, which has become the main place for his life and career.

      Chekhankov was most well-known for his role in the Lope de Vega's play "The Dancing Master". He often took part in different Soviet and Russian films, such as "Komandirovka", "Lushka", "Monday is a Hard Day", "Key from the Bedroom". "Anderson. Life without Love" and others.

      In the seventies he worked as an anchorman in "Artlotto" and "Vas Priglashaet Operetta" TV-shows. Chekhankov performed at the musical stage, issued two disks with his songs and also an autobiography.

      In 1991 he was awarded with a title of the People's Artist of Russia, and in 2009 - the Order For Merit to the Fatherland, IV class.