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Born as a film actor, professional clown, and songwriter, Zhigalov is widely recognized as a "clown without makeup". After completing his education, he studied at a vocational school and acquired the specialty of a welder. Subsequently, he worked at the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. In 1984-1986, he served in the Soviet Army in Shuya, demobilizing with the rank of senior sergeant.
Upon his return, Zhigalov entered the State School of Circus and Variety Art (GUTSEI),where he studied under the guidance of renowned clownery teachers A. Smykov and B. Breev. During his studies, he formed a duet with Eduard Alekseenko, known as "Eddie and Jeannie". Zhigalov's talent was soon recognized, and he was invited to play the main role in Nikolai Dostal's tragicomedy Cloud Paradise. The film received critical acclaim, and Zhigalov won the award for Best Actor in 1991.
Following his successful debut, Zhigalov appeared in several more films, including the "Center of Eccentrics" by Alexander Zheromsky. In 1992, he received a gold medal at the prestigious Paris circus festival, "The Circus of Tomorrow". His achievements continued, as he received the highest circus award, the "Silver Clown", at the Monte Carlo Festival in 2003, presented by Princess Stephanie.
In 2005, Zhigalov reprised his role as Kolya in the sequel to Cloud Paradise, Kolya - rolling stone, alongside a talented cast, including Alla Klyuka, Sergey Batalov, Irina Rozanova, Vladimir Tolokonnikov, Lev Borisov, and Anna Ovsyannikova. The film received the Golden Boat Special Jury Prize at the Window to Europe Film Festival.
In 2007, Zhigalov starred in the co-produced film "Songs of the Southern Seas", directed by Marat Sarulu from Kyrgyzstan. The film premiered in Russia on April 10, 2008. Throughout his career, Zhigalov has continued to work as a clown, performing in renowned circuses and variety shows, such as Roncalli, Knie, and Wintergarten.
