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Russian People's Artist Mikhail Svetin celebrates his 80th year of stage performance. Here at St. Petersburg's Akimov Comedy Theater, where he has been working for 30 years, he continues to please an audience. Despite his many years, Svetin seems to have boundless energy. He says every performance only adds to his strength. Our correspondents in St. Petersburg bring us this report.

Russia's Mikhail Svetin better known as "The Peoples Artist" celebrates his 80 years on the stage to the applause of spectators.

He is one of Russia's best comedians and has starred in over 100 roles in cinema.

[Michael Svetin, People's Artist, Russia]:
"I am what I am. I am cheerful, I am old, but I do not feel age, thank God, I absolutely do not feel it. I am told that there is a mistake in the passport."

The actor first won over audiences nearly 40 years ago in his debut role in the comedy "No fluff, no feathers ..."

Here he sings in the New Year fairytale "Magicians" which is loved by the whole country.

Svetin was expelled from school for disorderly behavior at the age of 8, so he went to music college in Kyiv to get a secondary education -- the rest, as they say, "is history."

Svetin has since graced the stage at the Akimov Comedy Theatre in St. Petersburg for 30 years.

[Tatiana Kazakova, Artistic Director, Comedy Theatre]:
"The comic's gift is to give pleasure and it radiates from the man himself. As he laughs, loves life, loves people, he exudes it, and in return he gets the love and acceptance of viewers and that supports this source. He has charm and charisma combined with amazing acting energy."

Some say working with Svetin is interesting but difficult, as he is an impulsive man.

[Tatiana Kazakova, Artistic Director, Comedy Theatre]:
"And now we want to see him in a role that combines something human. Not just funny, but something new in his work that will surprise us."

NTD News, St. Petersburg, Russia