Valery Khait, the founder of Odessa's Humorina and a renowned KVN captain, has passed away. He was a beloved figure in Odessa.

In Odessa, at the age of 85, one of the founders of the Odessa Humorina, the artistic director of the humorous team "Gentlemen Show," Valery Khait, has passed away. The causes of his death have not yet been disclosed.

The news of Khait's death was reported by the World Club of Odessites. The well-known poet and humorist from Odessa passed away on February 1, 2025. Details regarding the time and place of the farewell will be communicated later.

"With sorrow, we announce the death of Valery Isaakovich Khait… The legendary KVN captain Valery Khait has forever entered the history of Odessa", the message states.

Valery Khait was a prominent journalist, poet, prose writer, satirist, and television host. From 1966 to 1970, Khait led the KVN team of Odessa, "Odessa Pipe Cleaners," and subsequently served as the artistic director for the teams "Business People" and "The First Team of Odessa Gentlemen." From 1986 to 1990, he was the artistic director of the humorous team "Gentlemen Show."

Khait was a co-author of the idea and one of the organizers of the Odessa Humorinas, founded the Club of Odessa Gentlemen, served as vice-president of the World Club of Odessites, and was the editor-in-chief of the Odessa humor magazine "Fontan." He received the "Golden Ostap" award for the "Funniest Printed Publication." A year ago, he lost his son, Evgeny Khait – also a humorist, host, and actor.

It is worth noting that on Friday, January 24, news broke of the death of Ukrainian professor and historian Valery Stepanov. He dedicated his entire life to teaching at Kamianets-Podilskyi Ivan Ohiienko National University.

Earlier, "Telegraph" reported that on January 20, at the age of 95, the outstanding Ukrainian energy expert and scientist, Hero of Ukraine Semion Potashnik, passed away. He had long served as the head of PJSC "Ukrhydroenergo."