Okhlobystin explains limited contact with Mikhail Yefremov

Ivan Okhlobystin said he has little active contact with Mikhail Yefremov at present because he respects his privacy. The actor nevertheless described his colleague as someone who remains close to him.

Speaking to a 5-tv.ru reporter at the premiere of The Tale of Lost Time, Okhlobystin described Yefremov as still withdrawn. He said his colleague needed time to recover after spending four and a half years in prison.

Okhlobystin said his daughter remained in regular contact with Yefremov, who was working in stage productions. He did not portray his own limited contact as the end of their friendship and stressed his respect for Yefremov's personal space.

Channel Five previously reported that Yefremov had not attended Okhlobystin's sixtieth birthday celebration. Before his colleague's release, Okhlobystin visited him in prison and advocated early release. His latest comments explain the current lack of active contact between the two actors.