Alexander Bykov Son of actor Leonid Bykov Date of Birth: 01.01.1956 Country: Ukraine

1. Leonid Bykov's Son
2. Military Service and Diagnosis
3. Troubled Times
4. Leo Bykov's Grief
5. Pursuit of Justice
6. Escape from the USSR
7. Attempts to Cross the Border
8. Escape to Freedom
9. Life in Canada

Leonid Bykov's Son

Alexander Leonidovich Bykov was born in Kharkiv in 1956, the son of renowned actor Leonid Bykov. His family's journey took them to Leningrad in 1959 and then to Kyiv in 1969.

Military Service and Diagnosis

After completing school, Alexander joined the military. However, a conflict with superiors led to his involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital, where he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Despite their belief that the diagnosis was false, his family struggled to have it removed.

Troubled Times

Alexander's psychiatric hospital treatment resulted in his military discharge. His diagnosis hindered his job search, leading him into bad company and an involvement in a jewelery store robbery. With his father's intervention, he escaped prison but was later recommitted to the hospital.

Leo Bykov's Grief

Leonid Bykov was deeply affected by his son's struggles. He wrote, "My pain, my conscience, my guilt is Les. Help him believe in people. So much has fallen upon him that this grief would be enough for an entire nation."

Pursuit of Justice

After his release from the hospital, Alexander tirelessly pursued the removal of his diagnosis but encountered roadblocks and rejections. He described the futile process as being "sent in circles" and desperately seeking a simple job.

Escape from the USSR

Following Leonid Bykov's death in 1979, Alexander resolved to leave the country. He repeatedly applied for an exit visa but was denied. In 1989, he traveled to Moscow and staged a protest at the "Moscow" hotel, holding a sign that read, "Communists, I don't want to live with you!"

Attempts to Cross the Border

Alexander's attempts to cross the border into Finland resulted in arrests and deportations. However, his determination remained unshaken.

Escape to Freedom

In 1991, while on a train from Kyiv to Lviv, Alexander leaped from the car near the Tisza River. He swam across and entered Hungary. After spending time in a refugee camp, he fled to Austria, where he was granted political asylum.

Life in Canada

Alexander eventually relocated to Canada, where he resides today. He has married and has four children. He avoids contact with the press and maintains a private life.