The Kyrgyz culture has suffered a significant loss: on March 25, 2026, the People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic Abdykalyk Akmatov passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness.
According to the presidential administration, Abdykalyk Akmatov, a member of the Union of Theater Workers and the Union of Cinematographers of the Kyrgyz Republic, was born in 1955 in the village of Ak-Bulak, located in the Nookat district of the Osh region.
He began his creative career in 1975, working as a lighting technician at the Osh Regional Drama Theater named after S. Ibraimov.
In 1978, Abdykalyk completed his studies at the Faculty of Acting of the All-Union State Institute of Cinematography in Moscow, receiving a diploma in film acting. After that, he dedicated his life to theater and cinema.
His acting work left a significant mark, including roles as Toktogul Satylganov in the film "Kerbez," as Koojozhash's friend in "Descendant of the White Leopard," and as Dooolos in "The Roads Crossed."
At the Kyrgyz State Youth Theater named after B. Kydykeeva, he played the roles of a Kazakh director in the play "Talent and Fate," a mediator in "Boz Boydok," and A. Usunov in "Chingiz and Bubusara."
At the Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater named after M. Jangaziev, he is remembered for his roles as Kerben and Vazir in the play "Naiman Ene," the Bear in "Loyal Friend," and as the Deputy Minister in "I Also Want to Get Married."
At the Kyrgyz National Academic Drama Theater named after T. Abdumomunov, he played Bakai in "Son of Manas Semetey," Omor in "Conscience Does Not Forgive," and Korkut in "Korkut Ata."
"A. Akmatov demonstrated a multifaceted talent and made an important contribution to the development of theater, working for many years. He was an outstanding master of stage and cinema, nurturing a new generation of artists and devoted to his profession. A. Akmatov's active participation in major state and public events also contributed to the development of art. In recent years, he worked at the National Theater 'Manas,' participating in public life. For his achievements, he received republican and international awards.
The state highly appreciated his contribution to culture and art, awarding him the Honorary Certificate of the Kyrgyz Republic.
He was awarded the titles of "Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic" and "People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic."
The memory of the outstanding actor Abdykalyk Akmatov, who dedicated his life to culture and art, will remain in the hearts of the Kyrgyz people, his fans and colleagues, as well as his family and loved ones.
We express our sincere condolences to his family and close ones, sharing in the sorrow of this loss," the official statement reports.
S.N. Zhapаров, M.A. Mamataliyev, A.A. Kasymaliev, A.K. Koychiev, E.Zh. Baisalov, Ch.A. Abykeev, Y.Y. Atazhanov, M.K. Mambetaliev, A.B. Kenjebayev, D.T. Sheishekanoв, S.A. Raev, S. Sher-Niyaz, Zh.O. Kulmambetov, T.T. Kazakov, B.K. Odurakaev, A.A. Suyndukоv, N. Tursunbaev, K. Seydalieva, N. Mambetova, G. Kanimetova, Ch. Dumanayev, T. Aktanov, E. Bekboliev, Sh. Kydyrmaev, A. Sydygalieva, A. Nazaralieva, A. Nabiyeva, E.B. Chalabaev, A. Isakov, Zh. Erkinbaev, M. Mamazairova, K.O. Imanaliev, K.A. Osmonov, A.A. Ozybekov, M.A. Begaliev, A.A. Kubat, A.K. Murataliev, S. Sagynbaev, T.A. Kulmendeev, L.V. Annikova, L. Lyubomudrova, A.I. Alybaev, R.B. Stavridi, N. Talantbekov, and others.
