Russian movie stars born in 1915
Here are 5 famous actresses from Russian Empire were born in 1915:
Illa Meery
Illa Meery (May 16, 1915 Moscow-October 1, 2010 Southampton) a.k.a. Mara Tchernycheff-Bezobrasoff was a Russian actor.
She was born into a family of intellectuals, and her parents were prominent figures in the Russian symbolist movement. Illa Meery studied at the Moscow Art Theatre School and later became a member of the Moscow Art Theatre. She appeared in many notable productions during her career, including plays by Anton Chekhov, Maxim Gorky, and Aleksandr Ostrovsky. In 1943, she moved to the United States and joined the Actors Studio in New York City. Meery worked in both film and television, and appeared in several well-known productions including "The Big Clock" (1948) and "The Miracle Worker" (1962). She was also a talented director and teacher, and spent many years teaching at the HB Studio in New York. Throughout her career, Meery was known for her dedication to her craft and her unique approach to acting.
Meery's personal life was as interesting as her professional career. She was briefly married to Russian actor Sergey Martinson, who was also her colleague at the Moscow Art Theatre. Later on, she married French-American artist and filmmaker Leo Bezobrazoff, with whom she had a son. She lived in Paris for a time before settling in the United States. Illa Meery was fluent in several languages and was known for her intelligence and wit. She passed away in Southampton, New York in 2010 at the age of 95. Her contribution to the world of theatre and film continues to be celebrated by her fans and peers.
Natalya Medvedeva
Natalya Medvedeva (December 18, 1915 Saint Petersburg-August 12, 2007 Moscow) also known as N. Medvedeva or Natalia Medvedeva was a Russian actor.
She graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Theatre, Music, and Cinema in 1938 and began her acting career at the Bolshoi Drama Theater in Leningrad. Medvedeva became well-known for her performances in films such as "Kutuzov," "The Unforgettable Year 1919," and "War and Peace." She was a recipient of the People's Artist of the RSFSR award and was also given the Order of the Red Banner of Labor. Despite retiring from acting in 1987, Medvedeva continued to work as a theater director until her death in 2007 at the age of 91.
During her long and distinguished career, Natalya Medvedeva was widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of her generation. In addition to her work on stage and screen, she was also a widely respected acting teacher, having taught at the Moscow Art Theatre School and the State Institute of Theatrical Arts. Over the course of her career, Medvedeva acted in dozens of films, earning critical acclaim for her performances in both leading and supporting roles. She was particularly known for her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability in her performances, and for her ability to bring a sense of authenticity and depth to even the most complex of characters. Beyond her work as an actor and director, Medvedeva was also a noted philanthropist, supporting a range of causes including the arts, education, and healthcare.
Frances Chaney
Frances Chaney (July 23, 1915 Odessa-November 23, 2004 Manhattan) otherwise known as Fanya Lipetz was a Russian actor. She had two children, James Lardner and Kate Lardner.
Frances Chaney was known for her excellent performances in both theatre and film. She was born in Odessa, Russia in 1915 and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was a child. Chaney started her career in theatre in the 1930s and later transitioned to film in the 1940s. She appeared in several films during her career, including "An American Romance", "The Men in Her Life", and "The Caine Mutiny".
Not only did Chaney have a successful career in entertainment, but she was also passionate about social activism. She was heavily involved in the civil rights movement and participated in various protests and demonstrations during her lifetime. Chaney was a member of the Actors' Equity Association, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
Many of Frances Chaney's colleagues and friends remember her as a kind and generous person with a great sense of humor. She passed away in Manhattan in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable performances and important contributions to social justice.
Frances Chaney's love for acting started at a young age. She attended the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, which helped her develop her craft. One of her notable performances was in the Broadway production of "Crime and Punishment" where she played the role of Sonya. This performance earned her critical acclaim and established her as a serious actress in the industry.
In addition to her acting roles, Chaney was also involved in scriptwriting and directing. She co-wrote and directed a play called "Black Woman's Blues", which was an important voice for the Black community during the Civil Rights Movement.
Chaney was celebrated for her dedication to social justice causes, and she used her platform to advocate for change. She was deeply involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was one of the founding members of the Negro Actors Guild. Her activism continued until her passing, and she remained a crucial leader in the fight against racial discrimination.
Frances Chaney's contributions to the entertainment industry and her dedication to social justice have had a lasting impact on American society. She will always be remembered for her talent, kindness, and unwavering passion for justice.
Vera Ivashova
Vera Ivashova (July 12, 1915 Novocherkassk-July 5, 1991 Kiev) a.k.a. V. Ivashova was a Russian actor.
She appeared in over 30 films and won the Stalin Prize for her role in the 1947 film "The Great Citizen." She began her acting career in theater before transitioning to film in the 1930s. Ivashova was known for her versatility in playing a range of characters, from comedic roles to complex dramatic roles. She continued to act throughout her life and was honored with the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1977. Beyond her acting career, Ivashova was also an advocate for Soviet cultural development, serving on the board of the Union of Cinematographers.
Later in her career, Ivashova became heavily involved in the political sector of the Soviet Union. She became a member of the Supreme Soviet and was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. In addition to her political involvement, Ivashova was also a respected acting teacher, mentoring the next generation of actors in the Soviet Union. She passed away in 1991 at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy as both a talented actor and a devoted cultural and political activist.
Valentina Telegina
Valentina Telegina (February 15, 1915 Novocherkassk-October 4, 1979 Moscow) also known as Valentina Petrovna Telegina, V.P. Telegina or V. Telegina was a Russian actor.
Valentina Telegina initially trained as a teacher and worked as an educator in Novocherkassk before pursuing a career in acting. She graduated with honors from the Moscow Art Theatre School in 1939 and went on to act in several films and theater productions.
Her notable film roles include the lead in the 1942 film "The 40 First", which became one of the most popular Soviet comedies of the wartime era. She also starred in "The Married Cook" (1958) and "The Magic Weaver" (1960), among others.
In addition to her acting career, Telegina was a member of the Moscow Art Theatre and also taught acting at the Moscow Art Theatre School. She was recognized for her contributions to Soviet cinema and theatre with the People's Artist of the USSR award in 1962.
Valentina Telegina passed away in Moscow in 1979 at the age of 64.
Telegina was married to fellow actor, Boris Andreyev, and the couple had two children. She was known for her natural acting style and was praised for her ability to portray a wide range of characters. Telegina's legacy was celebrated in the 1981 documentary "Valentina Telegina," which chronicled her life and career in theater and film. In addition to her acting and teaching, Telegina was also an accomplished poet and songwriter, and published several collections of her work. Her contributions to the arts continue to be remembered and celebrated in Russia, where she is considered a beloved figure in the Soviet era of cinema and theatre.