Beloved film–television and theater actor Armen Khostikyan passed away on July 22 in Yerevan. He was seventy four years old. Khostikyan graduated from Yerevan’s Theater Academy and joined the Sundukian Theater in 1951. In 1987–he founded the Pyunik center for actors; he was also the recipient of the prestigious Movses Khorenatsi state medal.
Aside from his popularity as a film actor–during the past two decades–Khostikyan became one of the most beloved and cherished actors on Armenian TV. He was adored by his fans for his comedic talent.
A government commission has been set up to plan for Khostikyan’s funeral. President Robert Kocharian has sent his condolences to the Khostikyan family. In his letter–Kocharian writes–"It was with pain that I learned about the death of People’s Artist Armen Khostikyan. Armen Khostikyan’s unforgettable parts on the stage of his native theater and in cinema gave the artist popularity–love–and fame. The 50-year creative path of the favorite artist and great comic–during which he granted his faithful spectators pleasure and laughter and was as an example of serving culture and the homeland. I extend my condolences to the relatives of Armen Khostikyan and thousands of admirers of his art."
