Actor Ravil Isyanov, best known for his role on NCIS: Los Angeles, has passed away at the age of 59 following a long battle with cancer. Isyanov died in his Los Angeles home on September 29, as confirmed by his manager.
Frederick Levy, his manager, shared a statement with People magazine, saying, “Ravil was one of a kind. He was a true gentleman, extremely generous, and incredibly talented.”
Born in Russia, Isyanov gained recognition for his portrayal of mobster Anatoli Kirkin on NCIS: Los Angeles. It was during his time on the show that he received his cancer diagnosis. Levy noted that Isyanov was aware of his grim prognosis and informed the producers, allowing them to give his character a proper send-off.
In addition to his television work, Isyanov appeared in films such as Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Defiance. He also featured in K-19: The Widowmaker.
Isyanov’s journey in the arts began after high school in 1980 when he studied directing at the Perm Institute of Culture. However, in 1982, he was required to leave the program to complete a two-year mandatory military service in the Soviet Air Force, where he was stationed in the Russian Far East.
After his service, Isyanov worked at the Khabarovsk Theatre for two seasons before being accepted into the Moscow Arts Theatre School in 1986. He later taught himself fluent English and some Spanish, German, and French.
In 1998, Isyanov moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. His seven-episode role on NCIS: Los Angeles was just one of many TV appearances, including guest roles on The Last Ship, The Americans, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Isyanov’s final roles include appearances in 25 Cents Per Minute and the upcoming Marilyn Monroe biopic Blonde, where he portrayed Billy Wilder alongside actress Ana de Armas.
He is survived by his wife Erika, daughter Gulya, son-in-law Marios, and grandchildren Cassandra and Nikita.