Russian diplomats are conducting a probe into the death of a Russian artist and actor who drowned while vacationing in Bali last week.
Vladislav Mamyshev-Monroe, 43, was found dead in a Bali hotel on Saturday, Dmitry Solodov, a Russian Embassy spokesman, told Interfax on Thursday.
The embassy is trying to determine the circumstances of the artist's death and is in close contact with Mamyshev-Monroe's relatives for preparations to transfer the artist's body to Russia, he said.
"According to preliminary information, he was found drowned in a swimming pool," Solodov said.
Mamyshev-Monroe is most renowned for his impersonations of Hollywood stars and President Vladimir Putin.
Born in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, he shot to fame for impersonating famous celebrities, including his favorite actress Marilyn Monroe.
Mamyshev-Monroe, who also portrayed Adolf Hitler and terrorist Osama bin Laden, called Bali his "motherland" in an interview with Moskovsky Komsomolets a week before his death.
"Just like in 'Avatar' you feel at home as an amputee lieutenant, and then suddenly you turn into a magical creature and find yourself in beautiful jungles," he said, referring to his last artistic work, which included a visual portrait of Polonium, a character in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.