Asanali Ashimov

Ashimov was born in Bayqadam (or, according to other sources, Zhayilma) on 8 May 1937^[2] Sarysu District, South Kazakhstan Region, Kazakh SSR.^[3][4][5]

Having graduated from Kazakh National Academy of Arts in Almaty as a theater drama actor in 1961, Ashimov started his career in the movie industry at Kazakhfilm Studios.^[6][7]

In 1963, he joined Auezov Kazakh Drama Theater in Almaty as an actor and later director.^[8] He also served as an Art Director at Auezov Theater.^[9][10][11]

Ashimov's success and recognition as an actor stemmed from his performance in such movies as The End of the Ataman by Shaken Aimanov,^[12] Trans-Siberian Express, Who Are You Mr. Ka? and Kyz-Zhibek.^[13]

Throughout his time at Auezov Theater, Ashimov was in 50 productions.^[14]

Ashimov taught at Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after Zhurgenev where he received a professorship.^[15][16]

He wrote the books Song of Mayra, Dedication, With Love Yours Asanali Ashimov.^[17][18]

Ashimov had two children with Mayra Aimanova, his first wife of 35 years, a Kazakh opera singer. Mayra died in 1993, and both children both died in 1999. Sagi was also a Kazakh actor.^[19]

His two next marriages did not last long. He had a son with his second wife and a daughter with his third wife.^[20]

In 2002 he married his fourth and last wife. They had a son.^[21][22][23]

Ashimov died on 21 December 2025 at the age of 88.^[24][25]

Ashimov held numerous awards for his contribution to Kazakh and global culture, including the Hero of Labour of Kazakhstan and the Lomonosov Award.^{[26][27][28][29]}

In 2022, in honor of Ashimov's 85th birthday, Kazakhstan established a new award in the arts: the "Asanali". This prize will be awarded to the best actors, directors and screenwriters of the country.^[30]

In 2022, a bronze monument was erected in his honour on the territory of the Kazakhstan Business Cooperation Center Atakent.^[31]