An actor who built a successful career in Croatia and abroad, he died today at the age of 87 in his home in Split. Born on May 6, 1939, notably on the day when the Split Theatre was opened in 1893 — the theatre where he left the greatest mark and made his most significant artistic contribution — Mirko Kraljev performed on stages of all Croatian national theatres, including Zagreb's Gavella, Komedija, and Teatar &TD. He also performed at the Sarajevo National Theatre, where he secured his first professional engagement in 1964. He appeared in 16 films and over 40 TV series. Besides his dramatic roles, he was the protagonist in Tijardović’s operettas Mala Floramye and Split Watercolor.

In 1994, he received the Marul award at the Marulić Days for his role as Klanfar in Mira Radetić's Queen, and in 1998, he was awarded the Judita Award at the Split Summer Festival for his role as Agamemnon in Sophocles’ Ajax.

A volunteer in the Croatian Homeland War from 1991, he was wounded at the Southern Front the following year. He served as a cultural adviser at the Croatian embassies in Sarajevo (1999–2000) and Skopje (2004–2008), where he left a significant legacy by organizing numerous major projects: art exhibitions, theatre guest performances, Croatian Film Week, literary meetings. He was also responsible for the installation of a bust of the great Croatian conductor Lovro pl. Matačić, founder of the Opera in Skopje, in the building of the Macedonian Opera and Ballet.

We will remember his powerful stage presence and personality in numerous performances at HNK Split, including The Fatal Jest and His Master, Novella from Stanca, Fishermen’s Disputes, Hamlet, American Yacht in Split Harbour, Threepenny Opera, and many others.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family.