Famous family
Starting the story about the biography of Askold Zapashny, one cannot fail to mention his famous family, numbering four generations. Not only his parents worked in the circus, but also his grandmother, grandfather and great-grandfather. The last one was Carl Thompson. He came from a German family, was an eccentric clown and performed in Russia under the pseudonym Milton.
Then the Zapashny family began to specialize in training wild animals. Walter and Tatyana Zapashny, parents of Askold and his older brother Edgard, were constantly on tour. Edgard was born in Yalta in 1976, and Askold in Kharkov in 1977.
Askold Zapashny: biography
Askold Zapashny - producer, Honored and People's Artist of the Russian Federation. He is the artistic director of the Great Moscow Circus, which is located on Vernadsky Avenue. To see the grand shows of legendary trainers called “Sadko”, “Camelot” and “Legend”, “K.U.K.L.A.” and “System”, many spectators regularly come and leave the circus performance in a state of complete admiration.
Askold Valterovich Zapashny is the youngest representative of the famous Zapashny circus dynasty. A dynasty that spans four generations. Not only their parents, but also their grandparents and great-grandfathers were circus performers. He is a German by birth, the eccentric clown Carl Thompson, who performed in Russia under the stage name Milton.
Circus performer Askold Zapashny
It is difficult to say exactly what nationality Askold and his brother are, because the family has different roots.
It was destined for Milton’s great-grandsons, Edgard and Askold Zapashny, to follow in the footsteps of their famous ancestors and continue the glorious circus dynasty. Parents even gave bright names to their children so that they would sound beautiful under the circus big top and be remembered well.
The family toured the country - such a “nomadic” fate for circus performers. The eldest son Edgard was born in Yalta, but a year younger Askold was born in September 1977 in Kharkov, Ukraine.
Askold Zapashny with his parents and brother
Zapashnye specialized in training predatory animals. This most dangerous profession more than once put the lives of parents, Walter and Tatyana Zapashny, on a fine line beyond which this life could end. Terrible wounds were left on the mother's legs after the tiger attacked. And one can talk for hours about the injuries received by his father: numerous broken limbs, lacerations and even a broken neck, after which Walter Zapashny miraculously returned to life.
However, such a life - always on the edge - turned out to be the only possible and familiar one for the parents. She became the same for Askold Zapashny and his older brother.
Askold Zapashny in childhood with his brother
The future trainers studied in the same class, although there was a one-year difference between them. This was the decision of the father, who saw the future of his sons under the circus big top. The family traveled to many large cities in Russia, so the boys changed several schools. However, this did not give them the right to study in any way: the boys’ progress was monitored by a strict father. And although he was terribly tired after exhausting training and difficult attractions, he always found time to raise his sons.
Askold Zapashny's circus biography began at an early age. He went to the arena as a child, but the boy took part in his first circus act when he was 10 years old. The official debut is considered to be entering the stage at the age of 11. Then, in the winter of 1988-89, the Zapashnys toured in Riga. Askold and Edgard took part in the “Time Machine” number, which was warmly received by the audience.
School years
The brothers, despite the year difference in age, studied in the same class. Father dreamed of their circus future. Since the family was constantly traveling around the cities, the boys had to change many schools.
However, this did not give them the right to perform poorly; their father strictly monitored this. Despite being very busy, he always found opportunities to raise his sons.
Carier start
Askold began his circus biography at an early age. He took part in his first circus act at the age of 10, and his official debut took place at the age of 11. Then the family toured in Riga, where their number “Time Machine” was warmly received by the audience.
When Askold graduated from school in 1991, his family entered into a lucrative contract under which she could perform in China. This made it possible to save animals in the hungry 90s. For the Zapashnys, the Chinese side built a summer circus near the city of Shenzhen, in the Safari Park.
Career
Children were trained for performances from an early age; in the mid-90s they were acrobats, tightrope walkers, horse jugglers, and trainers. When Edgard graduated from school, the family moved to China. This happened in the 90s. The Chinese offered Walter Zapashny a lucrative contract. This helped the circus animals survive, since a lot of money was spent on maintenance.
A summer circus was built for the Zapashnys in the Safari Park near Shenzhen. During this period, the brothers dyed their hair, becoming blonde. When the contract expired, the Zapashnys returned to Russia, toured the country, and visited abroad.
In 1998 the father handed over the management of the “Among Predators” attraction to his sons, who successfully continued to develop the family business. The Zapashny Brothers Circus was created, and new show programs appeared. Edgard has a complex circus act, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. During the trick, Zapashny stands on the croup of two moving horses, with 2 girls balancing on his back.
In 2012 Edgard was appointed director of the Great Moscow Circus. Zapashny is often invited to TV as a participant in the show. In 2007 he participated in the “King of the Ring” project, appeared in the programs “The Invisible Man”, “Comedy Club”, “Cube”, “Big Race”, “Alone with Everyone”. He starred in several films (“Real Boys”, “Pana’s Daughters”, “Interns”). Edgard is the host of the author’s program “Legends of the Circus” (t/k “Star”).
Creation
Askold Zapashny, during his stay in China and later, acquired many circus professions. He learned to walk on a tightrope, juggle on the back of a horse, became an excellent acrobat-vaulter, and began to train not only large predators, but also monkeys.
In this type of training, the Zapashny brothers reached great heights. At the 1st All-Russian Festival of Circus Arts, held in 1997 in Yaroslavl, they received the first prize - “Golden Three”.
After the Chinese contract was completed, the family returned to Moscow. In 1998, while celebrating his own anniversary, their father, Walter Zapashny, handed over an attraction called “Among the Predators” to his sons.
The brothers went on tour in many countries. Such as China, Monaco, Italy, Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Japan, Hungary, Bulgaria, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Belarus.
The path to the heights of excellence
Askold Zapashny and his brother Edgard adopted the wisdom of training predators from their father and developed them. For example, Askold was included in the Guinness Book of Records for performing his own trick, which is the longest jump performed on the back of a lion.
In 1999, A. Zapashny became an Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, and in 2012 - People's Artist. And in 2012, he received the position of artistic director of the Great Moscow Circus, where he works to this day, without stopping artistic performances.
Zapashny graduated from GITIS with honors. With his brother, he organized the Zapashny Brothers Circus. He is the director and scriptwriter of many circus shows, including: “Colosseum”, “Camelot”, “Sadko”, “Legend”, “Terrible Force”, “Mistress of the Dead Lake”.
These shows always attract a lot of viewers, who are very enthusiastic about them.
ZAPASHNYEdgard Valterovich
Zapashny Edgard Valterovich is known as a representative of the famous and long-standing dynasty of Zapashny circus artists. Edgard has a younger brother, Askold. Both men are fourth generation trainers. Today the Zapashny brothers are popular and famous not only in Russia, but also far beyond its borders.
Since 2012, Edgard Valterovich has been People's Artist of the Russian Federation.
Edgard Zapashny
The future trainer was born in 1976 on July 11 in Yalta. The boy’s father, Walter Zapashny, was already known throughout the Soviet Union. The famous parent trained predators, and since 1988 he has held the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR.
In his youth, Edgard’s grandparents also performed in the circus, and the boy’s great-grandfather was the famous clown Milton, whose real name was Karl Thomson; the man was German by nationality. With such a family history, it is not surprising that Edgard, his brother Askold and sister Maritsa knew from childhood that they would devote themselves to the circus.
The successor of the legendary Zapashny dynasty from an early age absorbed the circus atmosphere and watched the work of Walter Mikhailovich. Edgard's father stopped going to the arena at the age of 70. However, until the end of his life, the man continued to do what he loved: Walter Mikhailovich Zapashny was the artistic director of the Zapashny Brothers.
Unlike his calm and reasonable brother Askold, the restless Edgard loved pranks, for which he often received punishment from his strict father. Walter Zapashny controlled not only the discipline of his sons, but also their academic performance.
Edgard Zapashny graduated from the Moscow Institute of Entrepreneurship and Law. The man speaks fluent English and Chinese.
The young trainer began his circus biography at the age of 12, when he was on tour with his father in Riga in 1988. When the difficult 90s arrived, the family was literally saved by a lucrative contract with the Chinese, who offered the trainers a job. Thus, the Zapashnys spent several years in China, thanks to which they were able to save their animals from starvation, because caring for lions and tigers required huge financial costs.
This strange, amazing country greeted the circus performers very cordially: especially for the Zapashnys and their charges, the Chinese built a large summer circus on the territory of the famous Safari Park, not far from the city of Shenzhen. It was then that, in order to distinguish themselves from the local residents, Edgard and Askold dyed their hair blondes.
Returning to Russia, the Zapashnys immediately received invitations to tour other countries of the former Soviet Union. The circus family also visited Hungary, Mongolia and Japan.
Edgard Walterovich
In 1998, Walter Mikhailovich, during the celebration of his anniversary, handed over control of the most complex and memorable attraction, “Among Predators,” to Edgard and Askold. The young trainers managed not only to accept this gift from their father with dignity, but also to develop the family business. Thus, the “Zapashny Brothers Circus” was created, and the show programs were multiplied by new circus attractions: “Colosseum”, “Camelot”, “Legend”, “Terrible Force”, etc.
Edgard himself has performed circus acts that are unique in their complexity, one of which was even included in the Guinness Book of Records.
November 2012 brought the man the position of director of the Bolshoi State Circus in Moscow.
The job of a trainer is very dangerous. Not only Edgard himself, but also his brother and parents were repeatedly seriously injured right in the circus arena. There were also injuries from the paws of predators to blood, and torn ligaments in the leg after an unsuccessful landing in the arena from a horse, and spinal injury due to heavy loads. And in 2010, the famous brothers were in a car accident and miraculously survived, although the car could no longer be restored.
Edgard Zapashny can often be seen in TV shows and movies. Thus, 2007 brought the man participation in the “King of the Ring” project on Channel One. In this show, the famous trainer won six of seven victories in intermediate fights, and then won in the final, fighting Evgeniy Dyatlov.
In addition, Edgard became a participant in “The Great Race”, “Cuba”, “Comedy Club”, “The Invisible Man”, “Empire of Illusions of the Safronov Brothers” and many other programs. And on the Zvezda channel, Zapashny became the host of the author’s program “Legends of the Circus.”
2015 brought the man participation in Ivan Urgant’s program (it is noteworthy that Edgard came to the studio with the tiger Martin), as well as in the program “While Everyone is Home.”
Fans were delighted to see their favorite artist appear in such TV series as “Interns”, “Daddy’s Daughters” and “Real Boys”. Another important creative direction in a man’s activity is writing books: for example, Edgard and his brother became the authors of several books about animals and training.
Zapashny takes an active part in the political life of the country. So, in 2020, the man became a confidant of United Russia during the elections to the State Duma.
The artist never suffered from a lack of female attention. However, the prominent handsome man himself was in no hurry to talk about his personal life.
For thirteen years, Edgard lived with Elena Petrikova, who was also a circus performer. But this relationship never ended in official marriage.
The trainer’s next chosen one was a fitness instructor from Voronezh, Olga Denisova, who gave birth to Edgard’s two daughters: Stefania (in 2011) and Gloria (in 2013). And although Denisova never became Zapashny’s legal wife, the man continued to take an active part in raising the girls.
Zapashny’s new common-law wife was a girl named Yaroslavna, whom the artist met in the company of mutual friends. To be closer to her beloved, Yaroslavna even got a job as an administrator at the Zapashny Brothers Circus. And in 2020, the girl gave Edgard a son, Daniel.
On his Instagram, the artist regularly posts pictures of his children. But there is still no information about the trainer’s official wedding.
Edgard Walterovich continues to head the circus as general director, in addition, the man himself remains a performing trainer.
Zapashny is an active public figure. Thus, in 2018, the artist became a member of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation on Culture and Art. In 2020, membership in the Public Council under the State Duma Committee on Culture followed.
Edgard Walterovich is an active Instagram blogger. On the Internet, a man often expresses his opinion on various topical issues.
Personal life of Askold Zapashny
For a long time, the famous trainer had eligible bachelors. Which is no wonder given his prominent appearance, height 177 cm, fame and wealth. According to his entourage, many beauties were hunting for the artist.
However, at one point they were disappointed, as it became known that Askold had finally found his chosen one. They got married and gave birth to two charming daughters. It should be noted that they were given very sonorous names - Eva and Elsa - in accordance with the traditions of the famous circus family.
Meeting with Helen
Askold Zapashny met her during a tour in Minsk. She is Jewish by nationality and has Israeli citizenship. When they met, Askold was 27 years old. By that time, he had broken up with circus artist Elena Baranenko, with whom he had lived in a civil marriage for eight years, never deciding to legitimize it.
Helen’s birthplace is Belarus, but while still a child she and her parents left for Israel. The girl came to the circus with Askold’s friend and immediately liked the artist. She was distinguished by her beauty, charm, and ability to conduct a conversation. In addition to the fact that Helen Raichlin was an interesting person, she also intrigued Askold because before the meeting she knew nothing about him and his work. This was new for Zapashny, since he was spoiled by the attention of women, but did not find it here.
Personal life
For a long time, the famous trainer was considered an eligible bachelor. Handsome, famous, rich, prominent (Askold’s height is 177 cm) - crowds of beauties hunted for the young man’s heart. But later it became known that Askold Zapashny’s personal life was arranged. He also had two charming daughters with sonorous names, like everyone else in this glorious circus dynasty, Eva and Elsa.
Askold Zapashny with his wife
The artist met his wife Ellen Raichlin, who has Israeli citizenship, in Minsk while on tour. The girl is Jewish by nationality. At the time of the meeting, he was 27. Behind him was an 8-year civil marriage with Elena Baranenko, also a circus performer, with whom Askold never decided to get married. Helen was born in Belarus, but as a child she moved with her parents to Israel. She received higher education in her small homeland.
The beautiful student and several other friends were brought with him to the circus by Zapashny’s friend Andrey. Askold immediately liked the girl. She turned out to be not only charming, but also an intelligent conversationalist and an interesting person. But the main thing that intrigued the trainer, spoiled by female attention, was that Helen did not know or hear anything about him until the moment of the meeting.
Askold Zapashny with his daughters
They dated for three years. These were occasional meetings, because the girl did not give up her studies, and Askold Zapashny could not cancel the planned tour.
There were more obstacles in the way of this beautiful couple than one could imagine. The relatives of each of the young people were not too happy about this union. Helen Reichlin's parents dreamed of a Jewish son-in-law, preferably a doctor. And the circus artist’s family saw Askold’s wife as a girl from the “circus” circle, who would understand and share a specific lifestyle.
Askold Zapashny with his family
However, love overcame obstacles, and two charming daughters only cemented this marriage.
In one interview, Askold’s mother, Tatyana Zapashnaya, recalled that at first she did not treat her daughter-in-law very well, and then fell in love with the girl. The woman also mentioned the spree of her son from his wife. Then Tatyana told Askold that even if he broke up with Helen, she would remain in the family.
In 2020, Eva and Elsa performed for the first time under the circus big top together with their famous dad and uncle. If they connect their future life with the circus, they will turn out to be circus performers in the 5th generation, continuing the glorious Zapashny dynasty.
Askold Zapashny with his daughters and brother
Thousands of fans watch the artist on the social network Instagram, where Askold posts personal and work photos and videos. Often, animal rights activists write in the comments to the pictures asking the trainers to close the show.
Zapashny also runs Twitter. There, the man regularly shares entries with readers. In addition, sometimes the trainer goes online using the Periscope application, where he communicates with fans.
Askold Zapashny
The Zapashny Brothers Circus has an official website. Fans of the show can find on the Internet resource the necessary information about the program, posters, photos from performances and more.
In 2010, the brothers had an accident when they were returning to Bryansk to start rehearsing a new program in the morning. The car hit a curb, lost two axles and stopped 10 cm from a tree. Askold and Edgard were not injured: they were saved by their seat belts and airbags.
Circus performer Askold Zapashny
In 2014, the tiger tamer underwent complex spinal surgery. The procedures took place in Germany. The artist had problems with his spine due to complex stunts and acrobatic performances. Later, the artist spoke in an interview about the illness and shared with a smile that he felt much better. However, if the man had not sought medical help in time, he could have remained disabled.
Overcoming obstacles
Their meetings lasted three years, which were almost episodic, since the girl could not give up getting a higher education, and the famous trainer could not cancel the tour.
In addition, the opinion of representatives of both families also became an obstacle to the development of relations. Relatives were not enthusiastic about the possible union of young people. The girl’s parents dreamed of a Jewish son-in-law who was a doctor, and the trainer’s family wanted to see a representative of the circus circle as his future wife. After all, in their opinion, only such a person could understand and share the artist’s unusual lifestyle.
But true love helped overcome obstacles, and the marriage took place. The daughters born strengthened him. Relatives also radically changed their opinion. So, in one of the interviews, Zapashny’s mother recalled that at first she treated her daughter-in-law rather coldly, but over time she accepted her and fell in love with her. She told her son that even if he and Helen separated, she would remain part of the family.
In 2020, Elsa and Eva performed in the circus for the first time together with People's Artists of the Russian Federation Askold Zapashny and Edgard Zapashny - with their father and uncle.
Askold Zapashny now
In the summer of 2020, Askold and Edgard Zapashny participated in the program “Where is the logic?” on the TNT channel. The program was hosted by Azamat Musagaliev. The brothers' rivals were Nastasya Samburskaya and Maria Minogarova.
In December-January, the Zapashny brothers presented to the audience three premieres at once under the titles “Princess-Nesmeyana”, “UFO” and “Angels”.
In February 2020, Channel One premiered the program “Stars under Hypnosis.” Askold Valterovich participated in one of the episodes. Hypnologist Isa Bagirov put the artist into hypnosis, and he forgot that he was running a circus. Instead, Zapashny was sure that he was an artist.
That same month, a tragedy occurred in the circus of the Zapashny brothers’ uncle, Mstislav Zapashny. Acrobat Anton Martynov fell during a performance and fell into the arena from a 6-meter height. A month later, the young man died without leaving a coma.
In April, Olga Buzova released the Buzcoin cryptocurrency. In an interview, the presenter and singer said that the world lives in her era. The Zapashny brothers could not ignore such a loud statement. Edgard suggested making a video in which he involved artists of the Great Moscow Circus. Askold took care of the script and editing. According to the plot, the characters in the video are shocked when they find out that they live in the Buzova era and decide to commit suicide.
On May 31, a large volunteer forum started in Moscow. The forum participants summed up the interim results of the Year of the Volunteer.
After the event, Askold and Edgard Zapashny held a circus performance for children with cancer. The program was implemented at the Cancer Center named after. Blokhina.
On June 1, a grandiose performance took place at the Great Moscow Circus, in which the Zapashny brothers took part. The men entered the arena with their favorites - the eleven kings of the jungle. The attraction is called “Among the Predators”. The famous American actor Steven Seagal was present in the hall, who after the show went backstage and thanked the artists for the amazing spectacle.
In the same month, actor Mikhail Efremov proposed giving the Crimean Bridge to Ukraine. Askold called the artist’s words shocking and suggested that he decided to feel like a liberal.
Accident and operations
In 2010, the Zapashny brothers, when returning to Bryansk to begin rehearsals for a new circus program, had an accident. Their car, having hit the curb and losing two axles, stopped just 10 cm from the tree. Fortunately, none of the brothers were hurt. Askold and Edgard were miraculously saved thanks to their seat belts and deployed airbags.
In 2014, Askold Zapashny underwent three complex spinal surgeries, which were performed in Germany. Disorders in the artist’s spine occurred as a result of his performance of acrobatic acts and complex stunts. Later in an interview, he recalled this with a smile, but noted that if he had not gone to the doctors on time, he could have remained disabled for life.
The Zapashny brothers will show Voronezh residents a jump on a lion and the flight of tigers under the dome
In the arena of the Voronezh circus there is a kingdom of menacing, purring cats. The Zapashny brothers' circus came on tour to the capital of the Black Earth Region. From March 7 – performances. While they are rehearsing, getting used to the new place.
Photo: Tatiana PODYABLONSKAYA
Along the perimeter of the arena lie fluffy beauties - red-striped Ussuri tigers and rare white tigers, lions of two colors - sunny and fawn. Well-groomed and imposing. There is time to lie down: there are many tricks - all the formidable predators will have time to show their talent. Lev Filya (in honor of Philip Kirkorov) is ready to do any trick, even fly on a platform under a dome.
- What a brave lion, clever little pilot! – Edgard gently pats the pet on the royal scruff. Immediately for disobedience, a “lost” young tiger can be pulled by the tail.
Photo: Tatiana PODYABLONSKAYA
Photo: Tatiana PODYABLONSKAYA
Zapashny’s predatory “murki” jump over each other and into a ring of fire, roll a huge wheel together, take on obstacles, walk backwards on their hind legs, lie down in a row at the command of their trainers and turn over one after another from side to side. The highlight of the attraction is Askold Zapashny’s unique “lion jump” trick, which was included in the Guinness Book of Records in 2006.
Photo: Tatiana PODYABLONSKAYA
Photo: Tatiana PODYABLONSKAYA
Photo: Tatiana PODYABLONSKAYA
The Zapashchny Brothers Circus is going to surprise Voronezh residents with the “Emotions and...” program. It is incredibly large-scale: 10 trucks with several tons of lighting and sound equipment arrived on tour. And there are also more than 60 animals and about a hundred people in the troupe.
“In our program, viewers will experience the whole range of emotions - laughter, to some extent fear for the artists who perform deadly numbers, and just pleasure and empathy,” the show’s director Askold Zapashny told Komsomolskaya Pravda. “We try to tug a little on every thread of the soul so that the audience is charged with positivity.
Photo: Tatiana PODYABLONSKAYA
In addition to predators, the arena will feature trained dogs and macaws. The horse-drawn attraction "Hellas" in the style of gladiator fights also has no analogues in the world (it was also included in the Guinness Book of Records in 2011) - it is a mix of horseback riding, pas de deux, juggling and acrobatics on horses!
photo courtesy of the Zapashny Brothers Circus.
In addition to Askold and Edgard Zapashny, leading circus artists, laureates of international circus festivals and competitions, and international masters of sports take part in the performance. A clown trio, gymnasts on horizontal bars and aerial ropes, vaulters, acrobats on throw-up boards, and tightrope walkers perform at the arena. The production features original music by the Teo Sound jazz band and uses modern light installations.
It is clear to the naked eye that the program is very expensive, but to the credit of the artists, they understand that there is a crisis in the country.
— Although the economy sets tough conditions, we have this form of patriotism: we understand that we must make sure that the viewer, having paid 500 rubles, feels that he spent it not in vain and much less than we offer him. We try to ensure that people come with their families and have fun,” said Edgard Zapashny.
Premiere of the program “Emotions and...” on March 7 at 16.00, March 8 at 12.00 and 16.00, March 9 at 12.00. The Zapashny Brothers Circus is on tour until April 5.
AND AT THIS TIME
The Zapashny brothers shamed the mayor of Voronezh and the governor for the “dead” state of the circus
The artists noticed that the building had become even more dilapidated since their last visit.
Arriving in Voronezh, the Zapashny brothers found the circus building in a terrible state! Much worse than their last visit in 2010.
“I would like to shame the city leadership that the circus is in such a state!” For the governor and mayor, the cheapest “AuDu Soleil”, as well as about inadequate fans, read the Zapashny Brothers: “We want to compete with the Cirque Du Soleil in Canada!”
Participation in social and political life
In addition to circus activities and participation in numerous shows, Askold Zapashny takes an active part in the socio-political life of the country. Here are some examples:
- 2011 – signing of an appeal against pressure on the judicial system in connection with the Yukos oil company case.
- 2012 – confidant of V.V. Putin.
- 2014 – signing of an appeal supporting the position of the President of the Russian Federation on Crimea and Ukraine.
- 2016 – confidant of United Russia in the Duma elections and confidant of S.S. Sobyanin, mayor of Moscow.
