Askold Zapashny personal life children. People's Artist of the Russian Federation Zapashny Askold Valterovich: biography, personal life, creativity

Brief information about Askold Zapashny look like this. He was born on September 27, 1977 in Ukraine, in Kharkov. He is one of the representatives of the famous circus dynasty in the fourth generation, People's Artist of Russia. He performs in the circus as a predator trainer, tightrope walker, juggler, acrobat, and vaulter. Next, Askold Valterovich Zapashny will be discussed in more detail.

Famous family

Starting the story about the biography of Askold Zapashny, one cannot help but mention his famous family spanning 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.

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

Circus biography Askold started back in 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.

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 vaulting acrobat, and began to train not only large predators, but also monkeys.

In this type of training, the Zapashny brothers achieved high altitudes. At the 1st All-Russian festival circus art, 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.

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.

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 real 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 2016, 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.

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 suffered three the most complex operations on the spine, which were carried out 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.

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 " United Russia"in the Duma elections and confidant of S.S. Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow.

We invited Edgard's daughters - 6-year-old Stefania and 4-year-old Gloria - to the photo shoot, which took place at the Great Moscow Circus. As soon as they fluttered into their father’s office, he literally melted before their eyes. “Daddy, daddy!” - the Zapashny sisters chirped, climbing into their father’s arms. We started the conversation with the children.

I admit honestly: when my eldest daughter was born, I did not change, did not grow up, did not instantly feel myself in a new status: “I am a father!” No... Of course, my responsibility has increased, but I haven’t noticed any global changes. I didn’t want daughters, I assumed that over time I would get married and have sons. But it turned out differently. When Olga, the mother of my children, was pregnant with Stesha, our eldest daughter, I got into a conversation with my friend Kamil Gadzhiev and complained that, damn, there will be a girl, but I wanted a son... He looked at me with great surprise and said: “Edgard, you have no idea what you’re talking about. Daughters are what a strong man needs.” He is just raising his daughters. He started talking about them and broke into a wide smile. I was amazed at such a transformation of a brutal man. And when Stesha grew up a little and for the first time consciously reached out to me, hugged me, pressed me, I also melted. Now, when I see my girls, I become gentle and affectionate. Unless it concerns them going out to the arena or interacting with animals, then I am collected and strict.

We have rebranded - and instead of the Zapashny brothers, now the Zapashny sisters (Askold, like Edgard, also has two daughters. - Note "TN").

- The girls' father is me. No one will blame me for somehow treating them differently. Photo: Andrey Salova

- Edgard, do you manage to spend a lot of time with your children?

We have a special situation. There has never been a traditional family - mom, dad and children living under one roof. Olya and I are not married, but my daughters, of course, bear my last name, I immediately recognized my paternity. Their mother recently got married and gave birth to another child. Therefore, we see each other when it is convenient for Olya to bring the girls to me, most often here, to the circus. Although I live under time pressure, I walk with them, take them to parks, to the cinema, and go to their rhythmic gymnastics training.

My children are at such an age that it is still difficult to cope without their mother. Especially the youngest, Gloria, she misses Olga very much. It’s easier for me with Stesha, she’s already older and I think she’d be happy to go with me even on vacation - she and I get along perfectly - but I don’t want to separate my sisters. I'm waiting for autumn, Olya promised to move with the children to my three-room apartment not far from the circus, and then I will see them more often. For now they live in Krasnoznamensk, 40 km from Moscow.

- You will give ex-girlfriend apartment?

Yes. She is the mother of my children. I don’t understand how people who once loved each other can part as enemies and not communicate. This is a tragedy!

We have an excellent relationship with Olya, as well as with her husband Dima. As soon as they announced themselves as a couple, we met with him and talked face to face. It was important for me to verify the adequacy of the person who took responsibility...

- When Stesha grew up a little and for the first time consciously reached out to me, hugged me, pressed me, I melted... Photo: Andrey Salov

- For other people's children.

Yes, but only moral. He won't have to feed my daughters. We immediately agreed that for Stefania and Gloria he is a friend, not a dad. I immediately discussed this delicate issue so as not to provoke an unnecessary conflict. The girls' father is me. No one will blame me for somehow treating them differently. I fully provide for both them and Olya; she doesn’t work and hasn’t worked since we started dating.

- You did not marry Olga, despite having two children. Why? Surely the girl planned to start a family with you.

So I never imagined that I would have children out of wedlock. Olya sincerely loved me and did not understand that there were some things I could not cope with. Her horoscope is Aries. Aries' stubbornness is a difficult quality. Plus Olya is jealous. And I am a freedom-loving person. A child cannot correct the characters of his parents. When she said that she was pregnant, she added: “I will give birth.” But I didn’t mind, I provided her with everything she needed, and met her and Stesha from the maternity hospital. But we never started living together.

A year later, he invited Olya to vacation in Venice so that she would come to her senses and recover, because all the worries about her daughter lay with her. And when we returned, we found out that we would become parents again. Olya was happier than me; she dreamed of having children from one man, even if he was not her husband.

With daughters Stefania and Gloria. Photo: Andrey Salova

- Edgard, can you name your daughters’ birthdays? Or do you need to call Olya for this?

Can! Stesha was born on February 24, Gloria on May 2. Although this knowledge was difficult for me (laughs), I have difficulty remembering dates. Ask me when Olga and I met and when we separated, I won’t tell you, because I don’t even remember approximately. But she, I’m sure, will accurately answer this question. I don’t remember, not because I’m stupid and can’t keep numbers in my head, but because I don’t see the need for this information. For me, the story is still ongoing; Olga and I are raising children. And even though each of us has our own personal life, we are close people and do not lose sight of each other. And the dates... I remember only one: the day my father died. This is understandable - the story is over forever. Askold and I became different that day.

- I would also like to talk about your beautiful children. Which one is more like you?

Stefania, the eldest, is soft, feminine, sociable, I feel very at ease with her. And externally like our breed. The war is still going on with the youngest. (With a smile.) Gloria is growing up as a stubborn girl, you need to find the key to her.

On the other hand, stubbornness can lead to success in the profession. It is important for my youngest to win her personal space and insist on her own. At such moments, I regret that she is not a boy, because she would have been raked to the fullest extent.

The girls gave their father drawings where they depicted their family: mom, dad and children - all together. Photo: Andrey Salova

- Could you spank me?!

Why not? Dad, Walter Zapashny, harshly punished my brother and me, and always for the job, for which Askold and I are incredibly grateful to him. We grew up to be normal men, not big boys. We were not even allowed to bring a C from school, let alone a D, and we were forbidden to raise our voices at any of the elders in the family. This applied to Askold to a lesser extent; he studied well, and from birth was more tolerant and diplomatic than me. Dad is an excellent trainer, he could mentally crush not only a tiger, but any person. When I reprimanded him, hammering every word, I felt sick. I wanted to say: “Dad, finally hit me, stop tormenting me!” I still punish my daughters. Not as strict as my dad, of course, but they know what an angle is, for example.

- Daughters mean love and tenderness, but what else?

Strong headache. Stefania is now six, another ten years old, and boys will appear. I will be 51 years old at that time, which means I need to keep myself in good physical fitness to unscrew the heads of these goats. (Laughs.) No, of course, I haven’t yet begun to be jealous of the seven-year-old boys that Stesha likes, but I’m already looking forward to it.

- Are you raising circus people? I suppose that girls cannot avoid an artistic career.

The main thing for me is that they love the circus as much as I love it, so that they grow up to be hard workers and I am proud of them.

- There is a two-year difference between your children, like you and your brother. Are they as friendly as you, or are there problems?

- The main thing is that my daughters love the circus as much as I love it, so that they grow up to be hard workers and I am proud of them. Photo: Andrey Salova

They are attached to each other. Even though they fight. Gloria might hit Stesha out of the blue. The physically larger one, in theory, should give back. But no, he just looks with incomprehension. Then he says to me: “Dad, why is she doing this?” I call the little one to account, I force her to apologize to her sister. I really don’t want the terrible situation of hostility between relatives to repeat in the family. Dad didn’t talk to our uncle, his own brother, for 15 years. Then they seemed to make up, but communication was sluggish, they swore and quarreled, but nothing good came of it. Askold and I have a different relationship. Our parents were able to instill in us that we are a single whole and are responsible for each other. My brother was sent to school when he was less than six years old, so as not to separate us. You can imagine how hard it was for him!

The first C's or failures that he received in elementary school demoralized him, I had to help, calm him down, I always felt responsible. Askold and I are truly the closest people.

- Not only children, but also adults are jealous. How do your girls perceive your children? Aren't they fighting for attention?

I think it's stupid women who do this. My girlfriend is adequate and friendly and understands the situation in which I live. I already have children, and this circumstance must be accepted, and not fought. And only a loving person can accept.

- Stefania is soft, feminine, I feel very at ease with her. And we still need to find the key to Gloria. Photo: Andrey Salova

I’m going to move with her to a house that I’m finishing. And there is a large children's bedroom with four beds. I want my daughters to come visit me and live with my new children. I hope I will have them someday. I want a boy. And not just one. I can fully provide for all my children.

Well, if there are no more heirs, let my daughters come to me with their girlfriends and rage in this room - for good measure.

- Edgard, before Olga you had serious experience of living together: you lived with your circus performer Elena Petrikova for 13 years. But they didn’t get married either. Is it your character, your fear of marriage?

Lena and I had a family, but without a stamp in our passport. I was young, I was always missing something, I was selfishly pursuing a career. And I thought that to be popular I needed the status of an eligible bachelor, this added interest. Lena, we must give her credit, treated this with understanding. Everyone in our circle knew that we were a couple. Another thing is that people from the outside had no idea about this. About what was civil marriage, I announced when Lena and I broke up. By the way, we also have a wonderful relationship with her, which I’m incredibly proud of. They are trying to reproach me: I have created a harem around me. And I believe that remaining friends is a sign of wisdom. Lena, like Olga, is doing well in her personal life, there is no reason for resentment or hostility. She is dating one of the world's leading clowns, Italian David Larible. When he flies to Moscow, the three of us often have dinner together, and neither he nor I are jealous. (With a smile.)

With my girlfriend Lyubov on vacation in Sri Lanka (Winter 2017). Photo: From the personal archive of Edgar Zapashny

- You mentioned that you will soon celebrate a housewarming party with your new girl. Who is she? And are you ready for marriage or is single status still important to you?

Psychologically, it is now, at 41 years old, that I want to get married and love my wife for the rest of my life. I have matured for monogamy, I am no longer attracted to affairs on the side. I was looking for a woman with whom I would want to spend all my evenings together. In order not to look for more adventures on your own head, not to have mistresses. I want to have a home where I feel cozy, comfortable, where relaxation, sex, and a warm dinner await me.

I’m not ready to answer right now what our relationship will lead to. But I promise: as soon as we decide, I will give you an exclusive interview.

- I catch the word. What is important for you to see in a woman? Maybe this will make someone think.

- I joke that my brother and I rebranded - and instead of the Zapashny brothers, we are now the Zapashny sisters. With daughters and nieces Elsa and Eva. Photo: Andrey Salova

I'm not interested in lazy women who sit on the heads of wealthy men and believe that their job is to spend their lover's money on themselves. No, I don’t respect them one bit, even if they are as beautiful as goddesses. I am interested in hardworking women, those who do something useful and necessary in life and at the same time manage to take care of their husbands, children and even look great.

And a woman must also realize that the man in charge of the house is the man. And then loneliness will not threaten her.

The famous trainer Askold Zapashny is a representative of the famous circus dynasty. Together with his older brother Edgar, he organized the Zapashny Brothers Circus, which successfully tours in Russia and abroad. The brothers are almost inseparable, except for the time that Askold gives own family. Until recently, it consisted of two people - wife Helen and daughter Eva, born in 2010. more than a year later, the artist became a father again. The newborn was named Elsa.

• Askold, please tell us the story of how you met future wife. When did you and she realize that you were ready to become parents?

Helen and I first met on tour in Minsk. We were introduced by my circus friend, whose wife Helen was friends with. She was a student at that time, studying at the university at the faculty for foreigners, since she is a citizen of Israel. We started dating and gradually got to know each other. I started thinking about children when I realized that Helen was the woman I wanted to live with. But concrete planning began for us after the wedding.

• I would like to clarify what Helen’s profession is? In many media she was called a trainer.

No, she never had anything to do with the circus. She is a doctor by profession. She graduated from the conservatory and plays the piano. Before this, Helen served in the Israeli army, tried her hand at temporary jobs - in a store, in a cafe, in modeling business. Now she is taking care of her family.

• How did you take the news about your wife’s pregnancy?

I was worried. Although I was waiting for this moment in my life, considering myself mature enough for such a turn. I felt the burden of increased responsibility. It’s one thing when you’re just thinking about a child in the future with friends, and another thing when the event has already happened. The moment has come to rethink everything. During Helen's pregnancy, I realized how difficult it is for a woman to bear a baby. How worried we all were when we went for the next ultrasound! It is known that there can be various developmental defects, and the question of what to do in this case periodically tormented me. Fortunately, everything worked out fine.

• When Helen was expecting a child, did you encounter any mood swings in her?

I was waiting for all these “classics of the genre”: rearranging furniture, craving for pickled cucumbers, - but nothing like that happened. Helen is quite emotional, and I was ready to endure her whims, since pregnant women naturally have them. But she behaved surprisingly stoically, with masculine restraint. Helen told me that she listened to herself, expected some desires that were unusual for her, but she didn’t want anything special. When we were waiting for the addition for the second time, everything went exactly the same way - calmly.

• It’s surprising that you decided so quickly to have a second baby. Was it your mutual desire to have children of the same age?

Yes. We didn't have any disputes. In addition, every person copies their parental family in some way, if it is successful. Edgar and I are the same age, which only helps us in life. In addition, having children one after another is in many ways the best option. It is better to go through the diaper-vest stage “in one fell swoop”. In addition, girls of the same age are usually friends and have less competition. However, no matter what I say, we must pay tribute to Helen’s courage: the second pregnancy is
a row is a big load, because the physical exhaustion from the first has not yet passed.

• Who will help Helen with the children?

Probably the nanny. I don't really like strangers in my personal space, but it seems there is no other choice. My grandmother and aunt helped raise my brother and I, and they are still eager to fight... But my wife reasonably noted that they are already eighty and fifty years old, respectively. To be honest, I didn’t fully realize this - my grandmother and especially my aunt are so active and energetic. However, the fact is clear: we could use a younger assistant.

• Did you have any desire to be present at the birth of your first child?

I didn’t say a categorical “no”. Due to my profession, it’s generally difficult to surprise or scare me with anything. But when my wife delicately hinted that she would not mind my presence at the birth, I said that there should remain a moment of intimacy in the relationship. A man does not need to look at the birth process itself. You can stand at the headboard and hold your hand, if, of course, your wife really wants it. Helen did not insist. I remember the day of birth well. My wife’s water broke, I took her to the hospital, and then went to the show. My brother and I had three performances that day. During the break, I picked up the phone, and there was an SMS: “Askoldik, come, Eva and I are waiting for you.” I was very touched. I learned about the birth of my second daughter by phone, during a tour in St. Petersburg. The wife said that everything went well, even easier than the first time. But I was still worried about her.

• Your daughters have beautiful names. Who chose them?

Me myself. When we were expecting our first child, I started looking for name options on the Internet, but I didn’t like anything there. And then suddenly, it dawned on me. It’s as if it came from above – Eva. I wanted the name to not be too pretentious. For example, at first my father thought of calling me Octavian... I think life would have been much harder for me with such a name. So I expected to find beautiful name, but not pompous. Eva is the perfect option. Firstly, it goes well with a middle name. Secondly, it contains a tribute to Helen's nationality. Thirdly, the name Eve is very ancient, it applies to all people, since that was the name of the first woman on Earth. The name of the second daughter, Elsa, is simply very beautiful and bright. It sounds good, which in the circus world has great importance. Now the whole world knows the Zapashny brothers, but it is possible that in a few years the Zapashny sisters will enter the circus arena.

• How did you feel when you saw your first daughter, Eva?

Probably an interest in one’s own feelings and in her as a new living being. I can’t say that bright fatherly feelings immediately awoke in me. More like curiosity - there is such a shaggy lump lying there. She was born with a rich head of hair, even the doctors were surprised. Then I felt warmth in my soul. And already on the second day I ran to the maternity hospital with the feeling that I was a father. When you see day after day how your child grows and changes, you become more and more attached to him. This is how love comes.

• How has your worldview changed after the birth of your daughter?

I didn't notice any drastic changes. In principle, I am a very responsible person, since my work is dangerous and requires constant planning. It’s the same with a child - I knew that to some extent I would lose freedom with his appearance, but these are the “rules of the game.”

• What difficulties did you encounter at your most difficult time– in the first year of Eve’s life?

I repeat, I was ready for anything - for sleepless nights, problems, diseases. I always try to think of everything. There were nights when Eva cried a lot. However, Helen proved herself to be a great mother. She stood up to her and calmed her down. Thus, she took the additional burden off of me. My wife knows how hard I work and how tired I am, and I value her concern. Of course, sometimes I replaced Helen when she was madly sleepy, I can do everything - rock a baby to sleep, put on a diaper. But this is the exception rather than the rule. My wife did not demand anything from me and thereby aroused the desire to help her. And now I try to help Helen with the babies as much as possible.

• There is a myth according to which a man develops feelings for his baby only when he begins to talk. How do you feel about this statement?

No, this is definitely not about me. The person you are talking about lives by emotions and waits for a situation to arise that will cause a certain reaction in him. Such a man needs to hear that the child will call him daddy, and then he realizes: oh, this is really my baby! Everything is different for me. I fell in love with Eva long before she said “daddy.” This is due to the fact that I am used to caring for others - people and animals - without expecting gratitude from them.

• How does “father’s” upbringing differ from “mom’s”?

Helen may show weakness towards Eve. I limit my daughter’s freedom less, but at the same time I am more firm. I can say “no”, ban something.

• Do you and your wife have any “pedagogical” differences?

I am against Helen's excessive softness. Let's say Eva reaches out her hand, wants to reach the cream that she is not allowed to take - she suddenly opens it and puts it in her mouth. The daughter begins to cry, and Helen, instead of saying “no,” runs for another cream, which Eva will not be able to open. That is, she gives her daughter what she demands by crying. Such numbers do not work with me. When Eva asks to be held in my arms, I take her, but if she then begins to reach for, say, the keyboard on which I am working, I do not allow her to be touched. Eva begins to become hysterical, and I sit her on the floor, thereby making it clear: I decide what is possible and what is not. My wife agrees with my parenting methods and tries not to be led by her emotions.

• Do you punish your child?

Children are punished for some intentional actions, and Eva is still too young to do things out of spite. Due to my profession, I am used to analyzing situations. My task as a trainer is to understand what the animal is thinking about. The child is also the object of such observations. I can recognize why he does something. Until I see that Eva is pulling my hair to intentionally hurt me. She simply gets to know the world, people’s reactions to their actions. When I see that Eve is causing pain on purpose, I will forbid it.

• Do you transfer the experience of being raised by your parents to Eva?

Eva is still a little over a year old, it’s too early to do this, but in the future I’m going to use a lot of the experience of my dad and mom. My parents loved my brother and me very much, but at the same time they clearly defined the boundaries of what was permitted and set certain goals for us. I think this is correct. Nowadays, many parents are too even, almost indifferent to their children. They give birth to a child and then think that they must raise him environment and himself. Our parents laid down the most important, fundamental things - for example, the concept that a man should dominate the family and be responsible for it. They were demanding of our performance at school, developed us - we had teachers in music, choreography, we learned languages. When dad insisted that we study English, it even annoyed me. I thought working in the circus would be enough for me. Life showed that he was right: languages ​​came in handy. I really want my children to know several languages ​​- English, as a matter of course, Hebrew - their mother’s native language, and others. Of course, the girls will study music and dance.

• Perhaps you want your daughters to continue your circus dynasty?

Definitely. It would be stupid to leave her to fate. My parents helped me not only master my profession, but also love it. This is very important when the pleasant and the useful are combined in life. Naturally, Eva and Elsa will have a wealth of knowledge and skills that will allow them to choose a business to their liking. But I will do everything to make them love the circus.

• What are your favorite games with Eva?

So far everything is pretty simple. For example, we chase each other squatting around a chair. Eva also likes to play hide and seek - all I have to do is cover my eyes with my palms and look at her between my fingers. She is laughing. Recently we had a new entertainment: Eva threw a pacifier on the floor, and then I took my daughter in my arms and showed her how to pick up the pacifier herself. She liked it so much that the pacifier began to endlessly fly to the floor...

• Do you have “know-how” on child care?

I think no. Eva lives according to a certain schedule, so I don’t remember any particular problems with feeding her or putting her to bed. If my daughter wakes up at night, my wife gives her a little something to drink and she falls asleep again. So no new inventions.

• Have you had any teaching mistakes?

I don't see any mistakes on my part. Eva is too young for me to commit them.

• Your wishes to future parents.

I don't like to be smart. I can give advice to people who doubt whether they need a baby. Having a child is a great happiness. However, you need to be prepared for its appearance. This is not a game. It largely depends on you what the fate of your son or daughter will be. Therefore, be as responsible as possible.

Edgard Zapashny is a representative of the famous and ancient dynasty circus artists Zapashny. Edgard and his brother are fourth generation trainers. Their names are known today far beyond Russia.

Edgard Zapashny was born in the summer of 1976 in Yalta, under the zodiac sign Cancer. His father Walter Zapashny was already one of the most respected trainers in the country. His charges are predatory animals. Walter Mikhailovich - Honored Artist of the RSFSR since 1988.

My grandparents were also circus performers. Moreover, the father of Lydia’s grandmother was the famous eccentric and clown Karl Thompson, a German by nationality, who performed in Russia under the stage name Milton.

So the great-grandchildren of the clown Milton - Edgard, Askold and Maritsa Zapashny - did not see any other way for themselves. They, as they say, absorbed the festive atmosphere of the circus with their mother’s milk. The children are already in early years knew that they would continue famous dynasty Zapashnykh.

Throughout his childhood, Edgard Zapashny carefully watched his father’s work. He left the arena at the age of 70. But until the end of his life he was never able to leave his favorite business and held the post of artistic director of the Zapashny Brothers troupe he created.

IN early childhood Edgard Zapashny was a year different from his own younger brother. He was a calm and reasonable boy. But Edgard has a difficult character, he constantly got it from his parents for his eccentric antics and ebullient energy, which was in full swing and did not always find the right way out.

And if the mother sometimes turned a blind eye to her son’s tricks, then the strict father got it. He controlled not only the behavior, but also the studies of his sons, checking school grades right up to the graduation class. Even at the institute, he was keenly interested in the progress of Askold and Edgard.

Edgard Zapashny received higher education. He has a diploma from the Moscow Institute of Entrepreneurship and Law. He speaks English and Chinese.

Career

The circus biography of Edgard Zapashny began in 1988, when he was 12 years old. This happened in Riga, where my father went on tour.

After graduating from school, the family went to China. These were difficult years, which are usually called the “dashing 90s”. The whole country was experiencing a crisis. Artists and circus performers were no exception. In 1991, the Chinese offered Walter Zapashny a lucrative contract, which literally saved the lives of circus animals. After all, caring for them required a lot of money.

So Edgard Zapashny and his family went to a strange, amazing country, which greeted the whole family and their charges quite warmly. A spacious summer circus was built especially for the Zapashnys in the famous Safari Park near the city of Shenzhen. To differentiate themselves from the Chinese, the brothers changed their hair color and became blonde.

After the end of the contract, the entire family returned to their homeland. On tour they traveled all over the former Soviet Union. We visited Japan, Mongolia, Hungary.

And in 1998, a turning point occurred in the life of Edgard Zapashny and his brother: at the anniversary celebration, the father handed over to his sons the reins of the most striking and complex attraction called “Among the Predators.”

The young trainers were able to accept this gift with dignity and successfully developed the family business. They created the Zapashny Brothers Circus and increased their show programs. New circus attractions have appeared: “Colosseum”, “Camelot”, “Sadko”, “Camelot-2: Viceroy of the Gods”, “Legend”, “K.U.K.L.A.”, “Terrible Force” and others.

Edgard has a circus act that is unique in its complexity and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. This is a trick during which Zapashny stands with his loose legs on the croup of two horses moving in the arena, and two girls balance on his back. This issue was prepared for a year and a half.

In November 2012, Edgard Zapashny was appointed director of the famous Big Moscow State Circus, on Vernadsky Avenue, by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.

There were also dark streaks in the trainer's work. One day, his brother came out of the tigress’s cage with a bloody face, having received a strong blow from the animal’s paw. And more than once he had to encounter tragedies that happened to his closest colleagues, because work in the circus is one of the most dangerous. An example of this was not only my brother, but also my mother and father, who were repeatedly seriously injured in the arena. Unfortunately, Edgard himself was not spared from serious injuries.

In 2006, during a trick on a horse, Zapashny landed unsuccessfully on the arena and tore ligaments in his leg. As the circus performer himself says, at that moment he did not even feel pain, he only heard a sound as if a string had broken. Long-term treatment in Germany was required; the man had to undergo several operations to restore his health.

And this is far from the artist’s only injury. In 2017 in German clinic he underwent spinal surgery - he had an intervertebral disc replaced cervical spine to artificial. This operation was planned, but due to his busy schedule he kept putting it off.

And in 2010, he and his brother were in a terrible accident, and although the car could not be restored, the guys remained safe and sound.

Edgard Zapashny in the show “King of the Ring”

Edgard Zapashny often appears on screen in TV shows and movies. In the spring and summer of 2007, he became a participant in the “King of the Ring” show, which was broadcast on Channel One. Here he managed to win 6 out of 7 possible victories in intermediate battles, winning in the final battle.

Viewers also watched the popular trainer in the programs “Big Race”, “Cube”, “Alone with Everyone”, “Comedy Club”, “The Invisible Man” and “Empire of Illusions: The Safronov Brothers”. Edgard Zapashny hosts his own program on the Zvezda TV channel, called “Legends of the Circus.”

Edgard Zapashny in the program “Alone with Everyone”

In 2015, he, his brother and his ward, the tiger Martin, came to the studio. And in 2015, television came to visit them - they starred in the program “While Everyone is Home.”

The artist also starred in several films, for example, in the TV series, where he played himself, in and.

Edgard Zapashny in the program “While everyone is at home”

In February 2012, Edgard Zapashny registered as a proxy of a candidate for President of the Russian Federation, and now current president. In March 2014, he signed the appeal Russian figures culture in support of the president’s policies in Crimea and Ukraine.

In the fall of 2016, during the elections to the State Duma, he became a confidant of the United Russia party.

Personal life

According to the artist, he managed to “accustom” journalists to the fact that he is not one of the media persons who provide rich food for yellow publications. Therefore, the personal life of Edgard Zapashny for a long time was in the shadows, no one knew anything about her except ten of her closest friends. But no one doubted that the handsome handsome man (his height is 189 cm and his weight is 95 kg) is not deprived of female attention.

In 2008, the artist gave frank interview magazine “7 days”, where he spoke about his first woman. He was 16 when he moved from theory to practice. But his chosen one was 36. She worked in the Novosibirsk circus, where Edgard came for a month. He admits that there was a mind-blowing passion between them. But love did not work out, the difference of 20 years and the artist’s youth had an impact.

For 13 years, the trainer lived in a civil marriage with his circus artist Elena Petrikova. But living together The couple was not legally married. According to Edgard, Lena realized that the “youth” of her half would never end, which means strong family it won't work with him.

It seemed to Zapashny that he met his love in Voronezh. He liked Olga, a red-haired beauty with a beautiful figure, immediately when he saw her. This happened in one of the Voronezh fitness centers. Olga Denisova – fitness instructor. A romance broke out. It continued when the girl moved to the capital. The move to Moscow was connected with her career.

Olga gave birth to Edgard’s daughter Stefania in 2011. But the couple never turned into official family. This did not happen 2 years later, when the second daughter Gloria was born.

Nevertheless, Edgard Zapashny is a wonderful dad. He takes an active part in the life and upbringing of the girls, gave them his last name and took on financial expenses. After each tour, he rushes to his beloved daughters and tries to give them maximum parental warmth.

Further, the personal life of Edgard Zapashny seems to be developing in its own way. Soon he admitted that he had a girlfriend. He hid her for a long time, but when the news leaked onto the Internet that the trainer was preparing to become a father for the third time, he revealed the name of his chosen one. She became Yaroslavna Demeshko. They met in 2013 in the company of mutual friends. They talked a lot, and soon decided to move in together. To be closer to Edgard, Yaroslavna even got a job at the Zapashny Brothers Circus as an administrator.

In August 2017, the couple had a son, who was named Daniel. True, a boy was born ahead of schedule for several weeks, and he had to be placed in the intensive care unit in a special box. But, fortunately, everything worked out. Today at " Instagram"The artist regularly appears with photos of his children. But the microblog on Twitter has not been updated with new entries since 2015.

Fans of the trainer are all waiting for news about the wedding, but for now Yaroslavna remains in the status common-law wife Edgard.

Edgard Zapashny now

On April 1, 2017, information appeared on the website of the Great Moscow Circus that Edgard fired his brother from the circus. Allegedly, Askold himself wished to leave the post of artistic director of the BSMC. This position will be filled by Honored Artist of Georgia Gia Eradze. This news was received with indignation among the masses. But by the evening of the same day, Edgard announced that it was an April Fool's joke.

But in June 2018, a serious scandal broke out around Zapashny. A video has appeared on the Internet from the training of his daughter Gloria, who is already learning the circus profession with all her might. In the video, the girl cried in pain after stretching. The man was immediately accused of child abuse, to which he did not remain silent. He published a long response to his detractors, but main quote in this speech there was a phrase:

"No pain - no result...".

Askold Zapashny – producer, Honored and National artist RF. 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.

It is difficult to say exactly what nationality Askold and his brother are, because the family has different roots.

To follow in the footsteps of famous ancestors and continue the glorious circus dynasty was destined for the great-grandsons of Milton - and Askold Zapashny. 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.

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.

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 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.

Career

In 1991, Askold Zapashny and his family went to the Middle Kingdom. The advent of the “dashing 90s” brought their charges to the brink of starvation, because the required provisions for lions and tigers were a considerable expense every day. And in the 90s, it became more and more difficult to buy food for animals every day.

Fortunately, a solution was found. The Chinese offered the parents a lucrative contract. At that time, the sons graduated from school. There were no obstacles to traveling abroad.

In a famous holiday destination, Safari Park in the suburbs of Shenzhen, a summer circus was erected for the Zapashnys. Walter Zapashny's responsibilities included training Chinese trainers. The sons also participated in the process. And to be different from the Chinese, they became blondes.

Askold Zapashny learned a difficult one Chinese which he still owns today. During these years, he learned to juggle while standing on horses and train monkeys. Later, in this type of training, he and his brother reached such heights that they received the main prize “Golden Troika” from the First All-Russian festival-competition of circus art, which was held in Yaroslavl in 1997.

In addition, Askold Zapashny is an excellent vaulting acrobat, tightrope walker, Segway juggler and roller acrobat.

After the end of the Chinese contract, the circus family returned to Moscow. During these years they toured a lot, visiting everything big cities post-Soviet space, and distant foreign countries. We even visited Japan.

Also, Askold and Edgard Zapashny began working with lions and tigers at this time. In 1998, the father passed on the famous attraction “Among Predators” to his sons. Askold and his brother adopted from him the wisdom of training predatory animals and developed this dangerous and beautiful art. Askold Zapashny with his author's trick “The longest jump on a lion” is included in the Guinness Book of Records.

Soon the brothers created their own circus, calling it the “Zapashny Brothers Circus.” He is distinguished by a special style that none of his colleagues have either in the country or abroad.

In 2012, Askold Zapashny became the artistic director of the Great Moscow State Circus. Edgard took over as director.

Askold Zapashny in the show " glacial period»

In 2013, the brothers presented the show “Emotions...” at the Fontanka Circus. The peculiarity of this program is that each performance can be considered the main one. That same year, the artist shared in an interview that they began building a 5D circus. And by 2018, or maximum by 2021, such a circus will be created in Russia.

Askold Zapashny – real star. Therefore, a man is often invited to television shows. He and he became a participant in the 4th season of the TV show “Ice Age” in 2013. He also appeared in the top-rated television projects “The Safronov Brothers”, “Veselaya Street”, “One Hundred to One” and “Dinner Party”.

Askold Zapashny in the “Dinner Party” program

Askold Zapashny actively participates in the socio-political life of the country. In 2011, he and his brother signed an Appeal from members of the public, which condemned the pressure on the judicial system in the case of Yukos leaders.

And in the spring of 2014, Zapashny Jr. signed an appeal from cultural figures of the Russian Federation who expressed support for the president’s policy on the issue of annexing Crimea.

Askold Zapashny in the program “Legends of the Circus”

In 2015, Zapashny became the hero of the “Legends of the Circus” project, where the trainer’s brother acted as the host.

In the same year, the artist participated in the filming of a series about life. At the work site, Askold was unexpectedly attacked by the tigress Shakira and cut the artist’s thigh with a blow of her paw. Zapashny was immediately sent to the hospital.

Askold Zapashny in the program “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”

In January 2016, Askold Valterovich participated in the program “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Paired with famous artist played by an actress.

In September, Askold, like his brother, became a confidant of the United Russia party in the elections to the State Duma of the 7th convocation.

Personal life

For a long time famous trainer considered an eligible bachelor. Handsome, famous, rich, prominent (Askold’s height is 177 cm) - after his heart young man Crowds of beauties were hunting. 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.

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. Higher education received in my 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.

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.

Obstacles on the way beautiful couple it turned out to be more 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.

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 2016, Eva and Elsa performed for the first time under the circus big top together with their famous dad and uncle. If they tie future life with the circus, they will end up circus performers in the 5th generation, continuing the glorious Zapashny dynasty.

Thousands of fans watch the artist on social networks “ 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 leads "