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Eduard Khil, aka Mr Trololo, dies aged 77

Mon Jun 04 2012 12:23
Eduard Khil became an unwitting online sensation.

One of the internet's most recognisable faces, Soviet singer Eduard Khil, aka, Mr Trololo, has died in St Petersburg, Russia, aged 77, following a stroke in May.

Born in 1934, Khil's childhood was difficult. He was evacuated during world war two and, split from his family, spent his time singing for wounded soldiers.

A trained opera singer, Khil became a viral sensation after a 1976 recording of his hit "I am so happy to finally be back home" was picked up online, racking up tens of millions of hits.

So enormous was his popularity he adopted the name, and his character even appeared in hit cartoon Family Guy.

Khil was a Russian superstar, being awarded the People's Artist of Russia in 1974 and Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 4th Class, in 2009. He performed at St Petersburg's 2010 victory day parade.