Russian actors who were born in 1920
Here are 7 famous actors from Russia were born in 1920:
Vladimir Balashov
Vladimir Balashov (July 10, 1920 Ryazan-December 23, 1996 Moscow) also known as V. Barashov, V. Balashov or Vladimir Pavlovich Balashov was a Russian actor.
He graduated from the Moscow Art Theatre School in 1946 and went on to have a successful career as a stage and film actor. Balashov appeared in over 70 films throughout his career, including the acclaimed 1957 film "The Cranes are Flying". He was also a frequent performer on stage, particularly at the Moscow Art Theatre where he appeared in productions of works by Anton Chekhov, Maxim Gorky, and Aleksandr Ostrovsky. Additionally, Balashov was a People's Artist of the USSR, a recipient of the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, and an Honoured Artist of the RSFSR. He passed away in Moscow in 1996 at the age of 76.
Balashov began his acting career in 1942 in the Moscow Art Theatre's studio performances. He served as an actor in the Soviet Army during World War II and appeared in front-line performances for troops. In 1951, he joined the troupe of the Leninsky Komsomol Theatre and later returned to the Moscow Art Theatre in 1956. Apart from acting, Balashov also taught at the Moscow Art Theatre School and was known for his contributions to theatrical education. His notable roles in films include "Pyshka" (1958), "A Man from the Boulevard des Capucines" (1987), and "The Bridegroom" (1976). He was also awarded the State Prize of the USSR for his performance in the film "Annychka." Today, Balashov is remembered as one of the most significant actors of the Soviet era.
Balashov was known for his ability to convey deep emotions with subtlety and nuance. He was particularly skilled at playing complex characters with conflicted and brooding inner lives. His performances were often praised for their authenticity and depth, and he was regarded as a master of understated acting. In addition to his work in film and theatre, Balashov was also a prolific voice actor, narrating numerous documentaries and audiobooks throughout his career. He was survived by his wife, fellow actor Valentina Vladimirova, whom he had met while studying at the Moscow Art Theatre School.
Voldemar Panso
Voldemar Panso (November 30, 1920 Tomsk-December 27, 1977 Tallinn) was a Russian actor.
Panso is best known for his extensive work as a theatre director and pedagogue. He studied at the Tallinn Drama School and later at the Leningrad Institute of Theatre, Music and Cinema. In 1953, Panso returned to Estonia and began working at the Estonian Drama Theatre, where he directed numerous productions that were widely acclaimed. He was renowned for his ability to bring new life to classic plays while also experimenting with new techniques and approaches.
In addition to his work in theatre, Panso was also involved in film, having acted in several Estonian films and one Soviet film. He was awarded the Honored Artist of the Estonian SSR accolade in 1968.
Panso's most lasting legacy is his work as a teacher of acting and theatre directing. He founded the first free acting studio in Estonia, which became a popular training ground for aspiring actors and directors. Many notable figures in Estonian theatre and film received their training under Panso, including Tanel Ingi, Kalju Komissarov, and Riina Roose.
Voldemar Panso passed away in 1977, but his impact on Estonian theatre and film continues to be felt. The Estonian Drama Theatre's Voldemar Panso Prize is named in his honor and is awarded annually to a promising young director.
Throughout his career, Voldemar Panso was dedicated to developing a distinct and authentic Estonian theatre. He believed that Estonian theatre should not be a carbon copy of Russian or any other theatre, but should instead draw on its own unique cultural and historical experiences. Panso's productions often explored themes related to Estonian identity and drew heavily on the country's folklore and literature. His commitment to Estonian culture and theatre helped raise the profile of Estonian theatre both at home and abroad.
Panso's approach to theatre education was also innovative and influential. He was a proponent of the "method" approach to acting, which was relatively new to Estonia at the time. He believed that actors should draw on their own personal experiences and emotions to create authentic performances. His teaching also emphasized the importance of discipline and hard work, and he was known for his rigorous training methods.
In addition to his work in theatre and film, Panso was also an accomplished writer. He authored several books on theatre theory and practice, as well as a memoir about his experiences as a theatre director.
Overall, Voldemar Panso was a visionary artist and educator who left an indelible mark on Estonian culture. His work continues to inspire and influence generations of actors and directors in Estonia and beyond.
In 1971, Voldemar Panso established a new Drama School in Tallinn, which was later named after him. The Voldemar Panso Drama School quickly became one of the most prestigious performing arts schools in the Soviet Union. Panso's innovative approach to theatre education emphasized practical training and allowed students to work closely with professional actors and directors. Under Panso's leadership, the Drama School produced many talented actors and directors who went on to have successful careers in Estonia and abroad.
Panso was also an outspoken critic of the Soviet regime's censorship and control of the arts. He often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in Soviet theatre, and his productions were sometimes met with disapproval from the authorities. Despite this, Panso continued to produce daring and thought-provoking theatre until his death in 1977.
Today, Voldemar Panso is remembered as a pioneering figure in Estonian theatre and as one of the most influential theatre educators of his time. His legacy continues to shape the development of theatre and film in Estonia and serves as an inspiration to artists and educators around the world.
Sergei Bondarchuk
Sergei Bondarchuk (September 25, 1920 Bilozerka Raion-October 20, 1994 Moscow) also known as S. Bondarchuk, Sergej Bondartschuk, Sergei Fyodorovich Bondarchuk, Sergej Bondarcuk, Serghej Bondarchuk, Sergei Fedorovich Bondarchuk, Sergey Bondarchuk, Serhiy Fedorovych Bondarchuk or Sergej Bondartchoux was a Russian film director, actor and screenwriter. His children are called Natalya Bondarchuk, Fedor Bondarchuk, Yelena Bondarchuk and Aleksei Bondarchuk.
Bondarchuk was best known for his epic film adaptation of the classic novel War and Peace, which he directed, co-wrote, and starred in. The film, released in 1966, was a massive undertaking that required a budget of over $100 million and featured a cast of thousands. It went on to win the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 1969.
In addition to War and Peace, Bondarchuk also directed several other notable films, including Fate of a Man, a powerful war drama that won the Golden Prize at the 8th Moscow International Film Festival, and Waterloo, a historical epic about the famous battle that starred Christopher Plummer and Rod Steiger.
In his later years, Bondarchuk continued to be an active force in Russian cinema, directing and producing a number of films and working as a director at the Mosfilm studio in Moscow. He was a recipient of the Order of Lenin, the highest civilian award in the Soviet Union, and was named a People's Artist of the USSR.
Bondarchuk was born in the Ukraine and grew up during a tumultuous time in Russian history, including World War II and the Stalinist era. He initially pursued a career in theater before transitioning to film in the 1950s. As an actor, he appeared in dozens of films, including the internationally acclaimed The Cranes Are Flying.
Aside from his work in film, Bondarchuk was also a noted stage director, with productions of Shakespeare's plays and other classic works to his credit. He was also a writer, publishing numerous books and essays on film theory and practice. His autobiography, Bondarchuk: Life, People, Cinema, was published in 1991.
Despite his acclaim and success, Bondarchuk struggled with health problems in his later years, including heart disease and diabetes. He died in 1994 at the age of 74 and was buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow. His legacy in Russian cinema continues to be celebrated and studied today.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Bondarchuk was a prominent public figure in the Soviet Union, using his platform to advocate for the arts and cultural preservation. He served as the president of the Union of Cinematographers of the USSR from 1970 until his death, and was also a member of the Supreme Soviet, the highest legislative body in the country. Bondarchuk was known for his charismatic personality and his ability to inspire others, and he was widely respected both within and outside the film industry.
Bondarchuk's impact on Russian cinema can still be felt today, as he paved the way for a new generation of filmmakers and helped to bring Russian culture to the world stage. His epic adaptation of War and Peace remains one of the most iconic films in Russian history, and his influence on the art of filmmaking is still studied and celebrated by scholars and enthusiasts alike. Despite his passing, Bondarchuk's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Arkadiy Tolbuzin
Arkadiy Tolbuzin (August 1, 1920 Moscow-March 24, 1972 Moscow) a.k.a. Arkadi Tolbuzin, Arkadi Nikolayevich Tolbuzin or A. Tolbuzin was a Russian actor, screenwriter, film director and voice actor.
He was born in Moscow in 1920 and began his acting career in the early 1940s. Tolbuzin appeared in over 50 films throughout his career and was known for his versatile acting skills. He often played supporting roles and was praised for his ability to fully embody his characters.
In addition to his work as an actor, Tolbuzin was also a talented screenwriter and film director. He wrote and directed several films, including "Beg" and "The Beloved." He was highly regarded in the film industry and was considered to be one of the most prominent filmmakers of his time.
Tolbuzin also made a name for himself as a voice actor, lending his voice to several animated films and television shows. He was known for his distinct vocal style, and his voice helped bring many cartoon characters to life.
Unfortunately, Tolbuzin's life was cut short when he passed away in Moscow in 1972 at the age of 51. Despite his relatively short career, he left a lasting impact on the film industry and is remembered as one of Russia's most talented actors and filmmakers.
Tolbuzin was born into a family of actors. His father, Nikolay Tolbuzin, was a well-known actor in the Soviet Union. Tolbuzin followed in his father's footsteps and graduated from the Moscow Art Theatre School in 1945. He made his film debut soon after, appearing in the movie "Unusual Summer" in 1947.
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Tolbuzin continued to act in films and on stage, earning critical acclaim for his performances. Some of his most notable performances include "Main Road," "The Forty-First," and "The Cranes are Flying."
Tolbuzin was also known for his work as a screenwriter and director. He wrote and directed several films, including "Once at Night," which won the Best Director award at the Venice Film Festival in 1961.
In addition to his work in film, Tolbuzin was also a respected teacher. He taught acting at the Moscow Art Theatre School and was a mentor to many aspiring actors and filmmakers.
Despite his many accomplishments, Tolbuzin remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He once said, "An actor's role in society is to bring humanity to people, to move them and make them feel. If I can accomplish that, then I have done my job."
Tolbuzin's work was not only recognized in his home country, but also internationally. He was awarded the Medal of Honor at the 1954 Cannes Film Festival for his role in "The Cranes are Flying," which also won the Palme d'Or. Additionally, Tolbuzin was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, the highest civilian honor in Russia, posthumously.In addition to his work in film, Tolbuzin was a writer and poet. He published several collections of poetry, which were well-received by both critics and the public. Tolbuzin's poetry often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition.Tolbuzin's legacy continues to be celebrated in Russia, with many of his films still being shown and studied in film schools. He is remembered as a true artist who dedicated his life to his craft and touched the hearts of audiences around the world.
Ivan Ivanovich Petrov
Ivan Ivanovich Petrov (February 29, 1920 Irkutsk-December 26, 2003 Moscow) also known as Ivan Petrov, Petrov, Ivan, Ivan Krauze or Hans Krause was a Russian opera singer and actor.
He began his career as a baritone and performed at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, becoming renowned for his powerful and expressive voice. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous opera performances and recordings, including the title role in Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin" and Germont in Verdi's "La traviata". In addition to his opera work, Petrov also acted in several films, including "Arkhangelskoye, My Love" and "Romeo, Juliet, and Darkness". Later in his career, he also served as a professor of opera at the Moscow Conservatory. Petrov was recognized with numerous awards, including the People's Artist of the USSR and the State Prize of Russia. He is remembered as one of the most iconic vocalists in Russian opera history.
Petrov was born into a family of musicians and showed a keen interest in singing from a young age. He began training as a singer at the Moscow Conservatory in the late 1930s, and made his professional debut in 1944 as Figaro in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theatre.
Over the course of his career, Petrov became recognized as one of the leading baritones of his time, with a rich and resonant voice that was equally adept at conveying emotional depth and dramatic intensity. He was particularly noted for his performances in Russian opera, including the works of Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, and Prokofiev.
Alongside his achievements as a singer, Petrov was also an accomplished actor, with a career spanning over two decades. He made his film debut in 1956 in the historical drama "Peter the Great", directed by Sergei Eisenstein. He went on to appear in many other films, playing a variety of roles from romantic leads to stern fathers.
In recognition of his numerous contributions to the arts, Petrov was awarded the prestigious title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1969. He continued to perform and teach until his death in 2003 at the age of 83. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest singers and actors in the history of Russian culture.
In addition to his opera and film work, Petrov was also an accomplished voice actor, dubbing foreign films and cartoons into Russian. He lent his distinctive voice to the roles of Captain Hook in the Russian dub of Disney's "Peter Pan" and Mufasa in the Russian version of "The Lion King". He also contributed his voice to the Soviet animated film "The Bremen Town Musicians" and the Russian dub of the Japanese anime series "Candy Candy". Petrov's legacy as a performer and teacher continues to influence generations of opera singers and actors in Russia and beyond.
Nikolay Trofimov
Nikolay Trofimov (January 21, 1920 Sevastopol-November 7, 2005 Saint Petersburg) was a Russian actor.
He began his acting career in Leningrad in 1945 after serving in World War II. Trofimov received critical acclaim for his performances in theater, film, and television, including roles in the films "The Cranes Are Flying" (1957), "Eugene Onegin" (1958), and "Wartime Romance" (1983). He was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR in 1966 and the Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1970. Throughout his career, Trofimov also dedicated himself to teaching acting, influencing many young actors and actresses.
Trofimov was born in Sevastopol but grew up in Moscow. He graduated from the Moscow Art Theatre in 1941, but shortly after, he was drafted into the Red Army to fight in World War II. He served in the army for four years and was injured twice in battle.
After the war, Trofimov returned to Moscow and began working as an actor. He later moved to Leningrad, where he joined the Leninsky Komsomol Theatre. Trofimov became known for his versatility as an actor, playing a wide range of characters in his performances.
In addition to his work on stage and screen, Trofimov was also an accomplished playwright. He wrote several plays, including "The Sea is Always With Me" and "The Road to the Sea."
Throughout his long and successful career, Trofimov received many awards and honors. In addition to the titles of Honored Artist of the RSFSR and the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, he was also awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor and the Order of Merit for the Fatherland.
Trofimov was widely respected and admired in Russia for his contributions to both acting and teaching. He continued to work as an actor and teacher until his death in 2005 at the age of 85.
Trofimov was not only an accomplished actor and playwright, but he also made significant contributions to Russian film. He appeared in over 50 films throughout his career, including several critically acclaimed works such as "The First Echelon" (1955) and "The Living and the Dead" (1964). Trofimov's performances were celebrated for their depth and emotional range. In recognition of his contributions to Russian cinema, he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1985.
Trofimov also served as a mentor to many young actors and actresses, nurturing their talents and helping them establish successful careers in the industry. He was known for his dedication to teaching and was highly respected by his students, many of whom went on to become prominent actors themselves.
Outside of acting, Trofimov was an avid traveler and enjoyed exploring different cultures and countries. He visited many parts of the world throughout his lifetime, including Africa, Europe, and Asia, and incorporated his experiences into his work as a writer and actor. Trofimov's legacy as a talented artist and teacher continues to inspire generations of actors and theater enthusiasts in Russia and around the world.
Aleksandr Grave
Aleksandr Grave (September 8, 1920 Moscow-March 5, 2010 Moscow) also known as Alexander Grave, Aleksandr Konstantinovich Grave or A. Grave was a Russian actor.
He started his acting career during World War II and soon became a popular actor on stage, film, and television. He appeared in over 80 films throughout his career and was known for his versatility in playing both comedic and dramatic roles.
Grave was also a highly respected theater actor, having performed in various theaters throughout Moscow. He was a member of the Moscow Art Theatre and the Taganka Theatre where he worked with renowned director Yuri Lyubimov.
In addition to his acting career, Grave was also a prominent voice actor, lending his voice to several animated films and TV shows.
Throughout his lifetime, Grave received numerous awards for his contribution to the arts, including the People's Artist of the USSR and the Order of Lenin. He passed away in Moscow in 2010 at the age of 89.
Grave was born into a family of actors; his mother was a famous actress and his father was a director. He was raised in Moscow and attended the Moscow Art Theatre School. During World War II, he served in the Soviet Army and was injured twice in combat, but still managed to continue his acting career.
In the early years of his career, Grave appeared in many Soviet propaganda films, but later on, he tackled more complex and challenging roles in films such as "The Diamond Arm" (1969) and "The Dawns Here Are Quiet" (1972). He also appeared in several films directed by Andrei Tarkovsky which are now considered classics of Russian cinema.
Besides his achievements in film and theater, Grave was a prominent public figure in the Soviet Union. He served as a member of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Even after his death, Grave remains an important figure in Russian culture. His contributions to the Soviet film industry and his skill as a thespian continue to be celebrated and studied by aspiring actors in Russia and around the world.
In addition to his acting career, Aleksandr Grave was also a successful director, having helmed several theater productions throughout his career. He directed plays at the Moscow Art Theatre and the Taganka Theatre, among others. He was known for his unique approach to directing and his ability to bring out the best in his actors.
Grave was also a prolific writer, having authored several plays and screenplays. He wrote the screenplay for the film "The Alive and the Dead" (1964), which was based on a novel by Konstantin Simonov. He also wrote the play "A Night Drama" (1961), which was staged at the Taganka Theatre.
Throughout his career, Grave was known for his commitment to social and political causes. He was a vocal advocate for civil rights and often used his platform to speak out against inequality and injustice. In the 1950s, he was a member of the antifascist committee and later became involved in the civil rights movement.
Grave was married and had two children. His daughter, Ekaterina, followed in his footsteps and became an actress.