# Deaths of prominent Balkan actresses

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/deaths-of-prominent-balkan-actresses
> Updated: 2026-08-18T17:59:36.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 3.

In mid-August 2026, two prominent figures of Balkan cinema and theater passed away.

On August 15, Slovenian actress Milena Zupančič died at the age of 80 following a long illness. A veteran of Yugoslav cinema and theater, her career included over 120 theater roles and 80 film and television roles. She was a long-time member of SNG Drama Ljubljana and also performed with the Ljubljana City Theatre and the Slovenian Youth Theatre. Her notable performances included ‘Vdovstvo Karoline Žašler’ and ‘Klopčičevo Cvetje v jeseni’. 

A recipient of the Prešeren Award for lifetime achievement, the Borštnik Ring, and the Presidential Order of Merit, Zupančič was honored with a state funeral featuring military honors in Bohinjska Bela. She was also a long-time UNICEF ambassador.

On August 18, Bosnian actress Irena Mulamuhić passed away at the age of 81. A long-standing member of the National Theatre Sarajevo, she was noted for her work during the Siege of Sarajevo and her roles in internationally recognized films such as ‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’. She was previously honored with the ‘Adem Čejvan’ award for lifetime achievement.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Milena Zupančič, celebrated Slovenian actress, dies at 80

Acclaimed Slovenian actress Milena Zupančič has died at age 80. A recipient of the Prešeren Award, she will be honored with a state funeral following a prolific career in theatre and film.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/milena-zupani-celebrated-slovenian-actress-dies-at-80

### 2026-08-18: Irena Mulamuhić, legendary Bosnian actress, passes away at 81

Legendary Bosnian actress Irena Mulamuhić has died at age 81. Her prolific career included over 100 roles in theatre and film, notably in ‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’ and during the Siege of Sarajevo.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/irena-mulamuhi-legendary-bosnian-actress-passes-away-at-81

### 2026-08-15: Milena Zupančič, legendary Slovenian actress, passes away

Legendary Slovenian actress Milena Zupančič has died at age 79/80. A star of Yugoslav cinema, she was celebrated for her extensive theater and film career and her work as a UNICEF ambassador.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/milena-zupani-slovenian-acting-icon-has-died

---
Cite as: Deaths of prominent Balkan actresses. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/deaths-of-prominent-balkan-actresses