Famous Georgian Film & Theater Personalities

Sergei Parajanov was a Soviet film director and screenwriter of Armenian origin, considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. He studied at Moscow's VGIK and began his career in 1954, becoming disenchanted with socialist realism. His works, including "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" and "The Color of Pomegranates," received international acclaim. Parajanov faced legal scrutiny due to his bisexuality and political involvement. Many of his films were banned by Soviet authorities. His films are highly regarded, winning awards at prestigious film festivals and earning a retrospective in the UK in 2010.

Merab Ninidze is a highly acclaimed Georgian actor known for his versatile performances on stage and screen. With a career spanning decades, he has garnered recognition in the English-speaking world for his compelling portrayals in notable films such as "Nowhere in Africa" and "The Courier." Ninidze's talent and dedication have earned him a reputation as a skilled and respected actor, showcasing his ability to bring depth and authenticity to a wide range of characters, captivating audiences worldwide.

Sophie Shevardnadze is a renowned Georgian/Russian journalist, presenter, author, and producer. She has made significant contributions to the media industry as the creator and executive producer of the show Simply Complicated on Yandex.Efir, Russia's leading platform. She also hosts SophieCo Visionaries and has a notable tenure as a presenter on the esteemed radio station Echo of Moscow. With her diverse roles and expertise, Sophie has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of journalism and broadcasting.

Rouben Mamoulian was a highly influential American film and theater director known for his innovative work in both mediums. With a diverse body of work that includes sixteen films and seventeen Broadway productions, Mamoulian made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. His pioneering approach to directing, which involved utilizing cinematic innovations such as camera mobility, montage techniques, and unique visual effects, set him apart from his contemporaries. Despite his films often receiving critical acclaim over commercial success, Mamoulian's legacy remains as a visionary director in the history of cinema and theater.

Tamara Toumanova was a renowned prima ballerina and actress of Russian and Georgian descent. She began her ballet career at a young age in Paris and gained international recognition as one of the Baby Ballerinas of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Toumanova worked closely with famed balletmaster George Balanchine, starring in numerous ballet productions in Europe and the United States. She also appeared in several films as a ballet dancer. Toumanova became a naturalized United States citizen in 1943.

Tinatin Dalakishvili is a talented Georgian actress and model known for her work in the entertainment industry. With a strong background in acting, she has showcased her skills in various roles on screen. Tinatin has impressed audiences with her versatility and charisma, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the industry. Her dedication to her craft and passion for storytelling have earned her recognition and admiration from fans and peers alike. Tinatin continues to excel in her career, taking on challenging roles and captivating audiences with her performances.

George Finn is a talented Georgian-American actor known for his captivating performances in various films. He has gained recognition for his roles in movies such as LOL, Time Lapse, and Tbilisi, I Love You. With his versatile acting skills and dedication to his craft, Finn has established himself as a promising talent in the entertainment industry. He continues to impress audiences and critics alike with his compelling portrayals of diverse characters, showcasing his range and passion for acting.

Vakhtang Kikabidze, also known as Buba, was a multi-talented individual with a diverse professional career. He excelled as an actor, singer, screenwriter, producer, composer, and politician. Throughout his professional life, he showcased his creativity and versatility in various fields of entertainment and public service. His contributions to the arts and politics, including his tenure in the Parliament of Georgia, left a lasting impact on Georgian culture and society. Kikabidze's talent and dedication solidified his reputation as a respected figure in Soviet and Georgian entertainment industries.

Georgiy Ruslanovych Gongadze was a Georgian-Ukrainian journalist and film director who co-founded the online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda. He played a key role in exposing high-level corruption through his investigative news reports. His kidnapping and murder in 2000 near Kyiv sparked national outrage and protests against then-President Leonid Kuchma. The Cassette Scandal revealed discussions among top officials about silencing Gongadze. Several former officials of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry were implicated and sentenced for his murder, but the masterminds behind the killing remain unidentified.

Lika Kavzharadze was a talented Georgian film actress who gained recognition for her role in Tengiz Abuladze's renowned drama film The Wishing Tree. Trained as a pianist at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, she transitioned to acting in 1972 when she was invited by the Kartuli Pilmi studio. Throughout her career, she starred in various films, with her standout performance as Marita in The Wishing Tree earning critical acclaim. Kavzharadze's contributions to Georgian cinema solidified her legacy as a respected and skilled actress.

Nutsa Kukhianidze is a talented Georgian actress known for her work in over twelve films since 1998. With a career spanning several years, she has showcased her versatility and skill in various roles on the big screen. Kukhianidze has captivated audiences with her performances, demonstrating a deep understanding of her craft and an ability to bring characters to life with authenticity and emotion. Her contributions to the film industry have solidified her reputation as a respected and accomplished actress.

Levan Gabriadze is a multi-talented Georgian-Russian actor and film director known for his work in the entertainment industry. He gained acclaim for his direction of the 2014 horror film Unfriended. Gabriadze's professional life is characterized by his success in creating gripping and innovative cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide. With a diverse skill set that encompasses both acting and directing, he continues to make significant contributions to the film industry through his creative vision and storytelling abilities.

Sofiko Chiaureli, a Soviet Georgian actress, made a significant impact on 20th-century Georgian theater. Known for her association with the Rustaveli Theatre and Marjanishvili Theatre, she established herself as a prominent figure in the industry. Believed to be the muse of filmmaker Sergei Parajanov, Chiaureli's professional life was marked by her exceptional performances and contributions to the theatrical arts. Her work on stage showcased her talent and dedication, earning her recognition as a respected and influential figure in Georgian theater.

Vladimir Ivanovich Nemirovich-Danchenko was a prominent Soviet and Russian theatre figure known for co-founding the Moscow Art Theatre with Konstantin Stanislavski in 1898. He was a versatile professional, excelling as a director, writer, pedagogue, playwright, producer, and theatre administrator. Nemirovich-Danchenko's contributions to the theatre world included innovative approaches to acting and production, as well as a focus on realism and ensemble work. His collaboration with Stanislavski played a significant role in shaping modern theatre practices and influencing generations of artists.

Nebahat Çehre is a versatile Turkish actress, model, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder. She gained recognition for her leading roles in popular TV dramas such as Aşk-ı Memnu and Muhteşem Yüzyıl. As a former Miss Turkey, she represented her country in prestigious international beauty pageants such as Miss World 1960 and Miss Universe 1965. Throughout her career, Çehre has captivated audiences with her talent and charm, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Samvel Vladimirovich Gasparov was a prominent Russian film director and short story writer. He made significant contributions to the film industry, particularly during his time at the Odesa Film Studio. Gasparov's directorial work showcased his talent for storytelling and visual aesthetics, earning him recognition among his peers and audiences alike. His short stories further demonstrated his creative prowess and ability to captivate readers with his narratives. Gasparov's legacy lives on through his impactful work in film and literature, leaving a lasting impression on the artistic community.

Tamara Gverdtsiteli is a versatile singer, actress, and composer with a distinguished career spanning Georgia, Israel, the Soviet Union, and Russia. She holds the prestigious titles of People's Artist of Georgia and Russia, which highlight her significant contributions to the arts. Throughout her professional life, Gverdtsiteli has captivated audiences with her powerful vocals, emotive performances, and creative compositions. Her talent and artistry have solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the music and entertainment industry across multiple countries.

Nino Haratischwili is a Georgian-born German novelist, playwright, and theater director. She has received prestigious awards for her work, including the Adelbert von Chamisso Prize, the Kranichsteiner Literaturpreis, and the Literaturpreis des Kulturkreises der deutschen Wirtschaft. Haratischwili began her career in Hamburg as a theater director before transitioning to writing. Her debut novel, Juja, was published in 2010. She later became a German citizen in 2012 and continues to live and work in Hamburg, where she has established herself as a prominent figure in the literary and theatrical world.

Shorena Begashvili is a prominent Georgian television show host and personality, best known for her popular program Night with Shorena on Imedi TV. She also gained recognition for her starring role in the 2012 black comedy film Keep Smiling. Trained as an actor at the Shota Rustaveli Theatrical Institute, she has showcased her talent both on screen and on stage. Her work has been highlighted in various publications, including a feature on the cover of Georgia's Playboy magazine and Hello Georgia magazine alongside actor Alec Baldwin.

David 'Dodo' Abashidze was a prominent Soviet Georgian film actor and director. He made his film debut in 1954 and appeared in a total of 50 films until 1988. Abashidze studied at the Shota Rustaveli Theater Institute in Tbilisi and then transitioned to cinema, working with various directors in genres like historical adventure, drama, and musical comedy. One of his notable collaborations was co-directing two films with Sergei Paradjanov. Abashidze's work earned him recognition, including being named People’s Artist of Georgia in 1967.