The Theater Union of Moldova grieves the death of great artist Mihai Volontir, who was a remarkable personality and distinct character in the national theater and cinematographic culture, and expresses its sincere condolences to his family, relatives and friends.

In an obituary, the Union says that Mihai Volontir had an exceptional artistic career that in time gained the glow of a real pearl of the theater and cinematographic art not only in our country, but also abroad. He formed part of the most talented actors from our country and excelled in all his parts that he played with skillfulness and talent.

He was one of the 278 delegates of the first Parliament of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic who unanimously voted the Declaration of Independence of Moldova on August 27, 1991. He was a member of the Theater Union of Moldova and was awarded the Oder of the Republic. He also held the title of Citizen of Honor of Balti municipality and of Chisinau municipality and was a Doctor Honoris Causa of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. In 2000 he was named the best actor of the 20th century in the Moldovan cinematography.

Mihai Volontir died at the National Clinical Hospital in Chisinau on the night of September 15. He suffered from chronic diseases that became more acute over the past few months. On March 9 he turned 81.