Russian actors who were born in 1917
Here are 6 famous actors from Russia were born in 1917:
Igor Smialowski
Igor Smialowski (June 20, 1917 Moscow-June 16, 2006 Warsaw) a.k.a. I. Smialowski or Igor Śmiałowski was a Russian actor.
He was best known for his work in Polish cinema, where he played important roles in over 50 films. Smialowski began his career in the Soviet Union and later moved to Poland in the 1950s. He appeared in such films as "Ashes and Diamonds," "The Saragossa Manuscript," and "The Promised Land," among many others. In addition to his work in film, Smialowski was also a successful stage actor, performing in numerous theater productions. His contributions to the arts were recognized with several awards, including the prestigious Order of Polonia Restituta.
Yuri Lyubimov
Yuri Lyubimov (September 30, 1917 Yaroslavl-October 5, 2014 Moscow) also known as Yuri Petrovich Lyubimov, Yu. Lyubimov or Yurii Petrovich Lyubimov was a Russian actor and theatre director. He had one child, Peter Lyubimov.
Lyubimov was a prominent figure in Soviet theatre, known for his daring and innovative approach. He was one of the founders of the Taganka Theatre in Moscow, which became famous for its avant-garde productions that challenged traditional Soviet theatre conventions. Lyubimov's most notable productions include "Uncle Vanya", "The Lower Depths", and "The Master and Margarita".
His outspoken views on politics and art often put him at odds with Soviet authorities, leading to his expulsion from the Communist Party in 1969 and ultimately his forced emigration from the Soviet Union in 1984. Lyubimov continued to direct plays and teach theatre in Europe and the United States until his return to Russia in 1996.
In addition to his work in theatre, Lyubimov also appeared in several films, including "The Lady with the Dog" and "The Unsent Letter". He was the recipient of numerous awards and honours, including the Order of the Red Banner of Labour and the Order of Lenin, and was recognized as a People's Artist of the USSR.
John Arnatt
John Arnatt (May 9, 1917 Saint Petersburg-December 21, 1999 Surrey) otherwise known as John Edwin Arnatt was a Russian actor.
John Arnatt was born to British parents in Saint Petersburg, Russia on May 9, 1917. He was educated in England and started his career as an actor in the 1940s. Arnatt appeared in numerous films, stage productions and television shows throughout his career spanning over four decades. Some of his notable film credits include "Quartermass and the Pit" (1967), "The Plague of the Zombies" (1966), and "Theatre of Blood" (1973).
Arnatt's television career began in 1952 with the BBC's adaptation of "The Pickwick Papers". He went on to appear in popular television shows such as "The Avengers", "The Saint", "Doctor Who", "Z-Cars", and "The Bill", among others. In addition to his acting career, Arnatt was also a voice-over artist and provided narration for several documentaries.
Arnatt was married twice, and he had one son from his first marriage. He died on December 21, 1999, in Surrey, England, at the age of 82. His contributions to the British entertainment industry are still remembered and celebrated by many today.
George Zoritch
George Zoritch (June 6, 1917 Moscow-November 1, 2009 Tucson) also known as George Zorrich, Yuri Zoritch or Ceorge Zoritch was a Russian ballet dancer, teacher, choreographer, writer and actor.
Zoritch began his career in ballet at the age of nine and studied at the Imperial School of Ballet in Moscow, where he trained with some of the most distinguished teachers of the time. He went on to dance with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, where he worked closely with choreographer George Balanchine and performed in some of the company's most famous productions.
After leaving the Ballets Russes, Zoritch continued to dance and perform in a variety of roles, including as a guest with ballet companies around the world. He eventually settled in the United States, where he became a renowned teacher and choreographer, known for his innovative and contemporary approach to ballet.
In addition to his work in dance, Zoritch was also a talented writer and actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. He continued to inspire and mentor young artists until his death at the age of 92. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential ballet dancers of the 20th century.
Nikolai Kuzmin
Nikolai Kuzmin (February 25, 1917 Yaroslavl Governorate-March 14, 1999 Saint Petersburg) also known as N. Kuzmin or Nikolai Alekseyevich Kuzmin was a Russian actor.
Kuzmin trained as a theater actor at the Leningrad Institute of Theater, Music, and Cinema. He began his acting career at the Maly Theater in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) and later became a member of the legendary Alexandrinsky Theater. Kuzmin was a versatile actor who excelled in both drama and comedy. He was particularly acclaimed for his performances in plays by Anton Chekhov, including the roles of Lopakhin in "The Cherry Orchard" and Vania in "Uncle Vanya." Kuzmin also had a successful film career, appearing in more than 30 films, including the famous Soviet comedy "Gentlemen of Fortune." He was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1974.
Yevgeni Lebedev
Yevgeni Lebedev (January 15, 1917 Balakovo-June 9, 1997 Saint Petersburg) also known as Ye. Lebedev or Yevgeni Alekseyevich Lebedev was a Russian actor. He had one child, Aleksey Lebedev.
Yevgeni Lebedev began his acting career in the 1930s, and he quickly became a popular stage and screen actor in Soviet Russia. He appeared in many renowned Soviet films and was known for his versatility and ability to portray complex characters.
In addition to acting, Lebedev was also a talented director and worked on several theater productions during his career. He was awarded the Stalin Prize for his contributions to Soviet cinema and theater.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, Lebedev continued to act in films and on stage, and he remained an active member of the Russian theatrical community until his death in 1997. He is remembered as one of the greatest actors of the Soviet era and a significant contributor to Russian culture.