Andrey Zhigalov

Andrey Zhigalov is a distinguished film actor and professional clown, famously recognized as the "clown without makeup." His journey began after completing vocational training as a welder, followed by employment at the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. He served in the Soviet Army from 1984 to 1986, achieving the rank of senior sergeant before pursuing a career in the performing arts.

In 1987, Zhigalov enrolled at the State School of Circus and Variety Art (GUTSEI), where he honed his craft under the guidance of esteemed instructors A. Smykov and B. Breev. During his first year, he formed a comedic duo called "Eddie and Jeannie" with Eduard Alekseenko. His breakout role as Kolya in Nikolai Dostal's tragicomedy "Cloud Paradise" garnered significant acclaim, earning him the Best Actor award in 1991 and attracting attention at various film festivals.

Zhigalov's illustrious career includes notable collaborations with Alekseenko at the "Center of Eccentrics" and a gold medal win at the prestigious "Circus of Tomorrow" festival in Paris in 1992. His accolades continued with the "Silver Clown" award at the Monte Carlo Festival in 2003, presented by Princess Stephanie. In 2005, he reprised his role in the sequel "Kolya - rolling stone," which received the Golden Boat Special Jury Prize at the Window to Europe Film Festival. Zhigalov starred in the international production "Songs of the Southern Seas," premiering in 2008. He remains active in the circus scene, performing at renowned venues such as Circus Roncalli and Knie.