Initially a talented football player, Russian actor Alexander Petrov switched to theater after an injury. Known for his roles in films such as Attraction, Invasion, and the Gogol franchise, he also played the lead in the Russian Netflix criminal drama Fartsa. He has also won prestigious awards, such as the Golden Eagle.
Popular Russian actor Aleksei Serebryakov made his acting debut at age 13. His performance in Accidental Waltz won him a Locarno Film Festival award, while the drama Leviathan won him an IFFI award. He later moved to Canada, stating he was unhappy with the political situation in Russia.
Russian actor Pasha D. Lychnikoff started his career in the Moscow stage circuit before moving to the US. Apart from appearing in series such as NYPD Blue and The Big Bang Theory, and movies such as Chernobyl Diaries, he also played lead roles in HBO’s Deadwood and in the Russian series Fizruk.
Oleg Tabakov was a Soviet and Russian actor who had a prolific career in both theatre and films. He is credited with founding the Sovremennik Theatre in Moscow. An influential and popular figure, Tabakov was honored with many prestigious awards such as the Golden Mask Award and USSR State Prize. He was named People's Artist of the USSR in 1988.
Though born to an actor, Aleksandr Demyanenko initially studied music and also failed in his entrance exams to the Moscow Art Theatre. He later dropped out of law school to eventually focus on acting. He went on to immortalize the character Shurik, which he played in multiple movies, such as Kidnapping, Caucasian Style.
Aleksandr Abdulov was a Soviet and Russian actor who was regarded as a sex symbol during the early 1980s. He then went on to establish himself as a versatile actor, winning several prestigious awards. In 1991, Aleksandr Abdulov was honored with the People's Artist of the RSFSR title for his contribution to Russian cinema.
Vladimir Epifantsev is a Russian actor, television presenter, filmmaker, and music video director. He is also active in the Russian theatre scene. Apart from acting and filmmaking, Vladimir Epifantsev has also showcased his dancing skills by appearing in Dancing with the Stars in 2009 where he was paired with Anastasia Novozhilova.
Vasily Livanov is a Soviet and Russian film director, actor, writer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Vasily Livanov is also an acclaimed director of animated films. Livanov has won several prestigious awards, including the People's Artist of the RSFSR title in 1988.
Yevgeny Leonov was a Soviet and Russian actor best remembered for playing important roles in many of Soviet's most famous films like Mimino, Gentlemen of Fortune, and Striped Trip. Widely regarded as one of the best-loved actors of Russia, Yevgeny Leonov specialized in playing comic roles and also voiced many Soviet cartoon characters, such as Winnie-the-Pooh.
Recipient of the honorary title of People's Artist of the RSFSR, Soviet and Russian film actor Leonid Kuravlyov got his real breakthrough playing lead role in the Vasily Shukshin directed comedy-film There Is Such a Lad. In the ensuing years, Kuravlyov bolstered his career in showbiz starring in several top-grossing comedy movies like The Most Charming and Attractive and Afonya.
Oleg Basilashvili is a Soviet and Russian actor who has made immense contributions to the Russian film and theatre industry. Over the course of his illustrious career, Basilashvili has won many prestigious awards, such as the Gold Soffit Award and the Golden Mask Award. In 1984, Oleg Basilashvili was honored with the People's Artist of the USSR title.
Soviet and Russian actor Yury Yakovlev started with theater and gained recognition with his stellar performances as Triletsky in Play without a Title and as Karenin in Anna Karenina. He later soared to fame as Prince Myshkin in the film The Idiot. He received numerous awards, such as the Order of Lenin.
Ukrainian film actor, singer, and media personality Nikita Borisovich Dzhigurda is most noted for portraying historical figures on-screen such as King Charles XII of Sweden, Knyaz Andrey Mikhailovich Kurbsky and Ukrainian poet Ivan Franko. Dzhigurda has also gained attention for his comic videos that he uploads on the internet, his performances, use of Russian profanities, and for his flamboyant lifestyle.
Boris Plotnikov was a Soviet and Russian actor. Although he appeared in over 70 films and television series throughout his career, Plotnikov is best remembered for his portrayal of Sotnikov in the critically acclaimed Larisa Shepitko-directed drama film, The Ascent.
Werner Abrolat was a German actor best remembered for his portrayal of various roles in the popular police procedural television series, Tatort. He is also known for playing supporting roles in Spaghetti Western films like For a Few Dollars More. Werner Abrolat also achieved popularity as a voice actor, a role which he performed from the 1970s until his death.