Dmitriy Khrustalyov
Dmitry Yurievich Khrustalev, born on February 20, 1979, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), is a Russian showman, actor, humorist, and television presenter. His early life included pursuing ballroom dances as a child. He began his academic journey at the Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University in Pushkin in 1997, initially studying agriculture, before transferring to the Economic Faculty of the Aerospace Instrumentation State University and graduating with a degree in 'Manager of Science and Education'. Khrustalev’s career took off significantly through his involvement with KVN (Club of Creative Young People). From 1998 to 2005, he performed with the 'St. Petersburg Team,' eventually becoming its captain at age 19. This team achieved considerable success, winning the Moscow Cup in 1998, reaching the Higher League finals in 1999, receiving the 'Small KiViN in the Dark' award in 2000, and being vice-champions in 2002. He also led the ‘USSR Team’ to victory in the Summer KVN Cup in 2003. He is particularly known for his parodies of Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Lenin, which contributed to his growing recognition. Following his KVN years, Khrustalev expanded his comedic presence on television. From 2007, he was a member of the Comedy Club program in a duet with Viktor Vasiliev, and appeared on 'Comedy Woman' from 2008. He co-hosted 'Evening Urgant' from September 30, 2013, to October 12, 2016, where he was known for the 'Cultural Adventures of Vitya and Mitya' segment with Viktor Vasiliev. He has also hosted shows like 'St. Petersburg Stand-up Club' (2014) and 'Theatre of Variety' (2014-2015). His film credits include roles in 'The Best Film 2' (2009), 'Pregnant' (2011), and the 'Classmates' series. Currently, he is a co-host of the revived parody show 'Big Difference'.
