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Alexander Maslyakov
Александр Масляков
2011-02-03 Александр Масляков.jpg
Maslyakov in 2011
Born (1941-11-24)24 November 1941
Died 8 September 2024(2024-09-08) (aged 82)
Moscow, Russia
Nationality Russian
Alma mater Moscow State University of Railway Engineering
Years active 1964-2022
Known for KVN
Height 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in)

Alexander Vasilyevich Maslyakov (born November 24, 1941 – died September 8, 2024) was a very famous TV host from Russia. He was known across the former Soviet Union for hosting many popular TV shows. He was especially famous for being the main host of the TV show KVN since 1964. He was on TV for most of his life, becoming a well-known face to millions.

Early TV Shows and Career

Масляков КВН 1970
Maslyakov hosting KVN in 1970

Alexander Maslyakov started working in television in 1964. Over the years, he hosted many different game shows. Some of these shows included Hello, we're looking for talents and Addresses of young ones. He also hosted Fun kids.

Two other popular shows he hosted were Come on, girls and Come on, guys. In Come on, girls, young women competed in various skills like cooking, dancing, or even milking cows. Come on, guys was a similar show for young men.

In 1974, Maslyakov became the first host of What? Where? When?. This show later became one of Russia's longest-running game shows. He also hosted the Soviet coverage of big international events like the World Festivals of Youth and Students. These festivals were held in major cities around the world, such as Sofia, Havana, and Moscow. He also hosted many popular song competitions that were similar to Eurovision.

The KVN Show

Maslyakov was most famous for his work on the game show KVN. KVN stands for "Club of the happy and inventive." It is a very popular show where teams of young, clever people compete. Most of the time, these teams are made up of university students.

The teams perform funny skits, musical acts, and witty conversations. They do this in front of a live audience and a panel of celebrity judges. Sometimes, their performances even included jokes about politics or society.

KVN first started in 1961. Maslyakov became its host in 1964, when he was still a student himself. He continued to host the show for many decades. He also ran the company that owned the show and all its related projects. Maslyakov was the president of the International Union of KVN. He hosted all the main KVN games and the yearly KVN festivals in Sochi and Jūrmala. He retired from hosting in 2022.

Education and Awards

Vladimir Putin at award ceremonies (2017-01-26) 37
Maslyakov receiving an award from Russian president Vladimir Putin in January 2017

Alexander Maslyakov finished his studies in 1966 at the Russian University of Transport. He then completed special courses for television workers in 1968. He was recognized as a Merited Figure of the Arts of the Russian Federation.

In 1994, he won the Ovation prize. He was also a member of the Academy of Russian Television. In 2002, he received the highest honor from the Academy of Russian Television, the TEFI award. This award was given for his important contribution to the growth of television in Russia.

In 2006, KVN celebrated its 45th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, the president of Russia gave Maslyakov the Order of Merit for the Fatherland Grade IV. This award was for his big role in developing Russian television and his many years of creative work.

Later Life

Alexander Maslyakov passed away on September 8, 2024, at the age of 82.

Filmography

  • Arch-chi-medes! (1975) as an entertainer
  • I Don't Want to Be an Adult (1982) as a TV presenter
  • How to Become Happy (1985) as a competition host
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