Top 50 Most Popular Russian Actors Of All Time

Nikita Sergeyevich Mikhalkov began his acting career with an uncredited appearance in the 1959 film Solntse svetit vsem. Born into the renowned Mikhalkov family, he quickly established himself as one of Russia's most respected artistic figures.

Mikhalkov is a three-time recipient of the State Prize of the Russian Federation and a Full Cavalier of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland." These honors reflect his significant contributions to Russian cinema.

His directorial work on Close to Eden earned him the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature Film.

Mikhalkov's list of accolades continued with the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival for Burnt by the Sun, solidifying his status as a celebrated international filmmaker.

Konstantin Yurievich Khabensky is a renowned Russian actor, director, and philanthropist who has left a significant mark on both film and theatre. He launched his on-screen career in 1994, making his debut with a minor role in the film Na kogo Bog poschlet.

Khabensky's early rise to prominence is attributed to notable performances in movies such as Women's Property and In Motion. However, it was his leading role in the popular television series Deadly Force that truly propelled him to nationwide fame in Russia.

Yevgeny Mironov is a distinguished film and stage actor, celebrated with honors such as Merited Artist of the Russian Federation (1996), People's Artist of Russia (2004), and laureate of the State Prize of the Russian Federation in both 1995 and 2010.

Although he first appeared as a child actor in 1976, his career truly began to flourish in the latter half of the 1980s.

Mironov's breakthrough came in 1988 with his first notable role, followed by great acclaim for his performance in the coming-of-age romantic drama "Love" in 1991.

For this role, he was named Best Actor of 1992 by Russian film critics, further establishing his reputation in the industry.

Vladimir Lvovich Mashkov is a renowned Soviet and Russian actor, as well as a talented film director. He gained international recognition for his roles in acclaimed movies such as Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and Behind Enemy Lines, captivating audiences with his compelling performances.

In addition to acting, Mashkov has showcased his skills as a director, producer, and writer. Notably, he contributed to the 2004 Russian film Papa, which was selected for the 26th Moscow International Film Festival.

Mashkov began his stage career as a child and later transitioned to the big screen, making his film debut in the late 1980s. Since then, he has established himself as a prominent figure in both Russian and international cinema.

Oleg Ivanovich Yankovsky began his acting career with his feature film debut in "A Ballad of Love" in 1966. Renowned for his nuanced performances, Yankovsky became widely recognized for his roles as complex, modern intellectuals throughout Soviet and Russian cinema.

A highly respected figure in the industry, Yankovsky was among the last to be honored as a People's Artist of the USSR in 1991. His notable film appearances include "The Kreutzer Sonata," "A Hunting Accident," "Nostalghia," and "Mirror."

Sergei Leonidovich Garmash is a distinguished Soviet and Russian stage and film actor, renowned for being named a "People's Artist of Russia." In 2013, he served as a jury member at the 35th Moscow International Film Festival, highlighting his respected status in the industry.

Garmash began his professional acting career in 1984 and quickly gained recognition through roles in films such as In the Shooting Wilderness, Wild Pigeon, and Ivan the Great. His performances established him as a prominent figure in Russian cinema.

For his compelling role in the acclaimed drama Tender Age, Garmash received notable accolades, including both the Nika Award and the Golden Eagle, further cementing his legacy as one of Russia's most celebrated actors.

Sergei Vytautovich Puskepalis began his acting career with the 2003 film "The Stroll." He is recognized both as a talented actor and a distinguished theater director, earning acclaim for his performances in the award-winning films "Simple Things" and "How I Ended This Summer."

Puskepalis delivered outstanding performances in these films, which earned him the Nika Award for Best Actor in 2008 and the prestigious Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival in 2010.

He also made his directorial debut with "Clinch," which premiered at the Yerevan International Film Festival, further showcasing his versatility in the world of cinema and theater.

Aleksei Valeryevich Serebryakov is recognized as one of Russia's most acclaimed and highest-paid actors. He began his acting journey in 1973 with the television series Eternal Call, marking his professional debut at a remarkably young age.

Over the years, Serebryakov has collaborated with Russia's leading theatrical institutions, including the renowned Tabakov Theatre and Lenkom Theatre, helping to establish his reputation in the performing arts scene.

After graduating from the prestigious Russian Institute of Theatre Arts, he went on to appear in a variety of films. Notable among these are Silent Outpost, Accused of the Wedding, and Fan, which have become some of his best-known works.

Interestingly, Serebryakov began acting at just 13 years old and also attended music school during his childhood, showcasing his early dedication to the arts.

In recent years, he has continued to impress audiences with television roles in popular series such as Farts (2015), The Method (2016), and Doctor Ritcher (2017).

Sergei Fyodorovich Bondarchuk made his feature film debut in 1948 with The Young Guard. Renowned as an actor, director, and screenwriter, he became one of the most influential figures in Russian cinema throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

Bondarchuk gained international acclaim for his screen adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, a film he both directed and starred in. His exceptional work earned him both the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Honored as a Hero of Socialist Labour and named People's Artist of the USSR, Bondarchuk's legacy endures. In 1995, he was posthumously awarded an honorary diploma for his contributions to cinema at the 19th Moscow International Film Festival.

Innokenty Mikhailovich Smoktunovsky, a distinguished Russian stage and film actor, earned the prestigious title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1974 and was later honored as a Hero of Socialist Labour in 1990.

Smoktunovsky rose to prominence with his acclaimed portrayal of Hamlet in Grigori Kozintsev's celebrated adaptation of Shakespeare's classic play.

His compelling performance as Hamlet impressed even English critics, who claimed he surpassed the legendary Laurence Olivier in the role.

Throughout his career, Smoktunovsky continued to captivate audiences with memorable roles in renowned films such as Beware of the Car and Tchaikovsky, among several others.

Pasha D. Lychnikov is a talented Russian-American actor renowned for his extensive work in television. In addition to his TV appearances, he has showcased his versatility across film, theater, and voice acting, building a distinguished career in the United States.

After relocating to the U.S. in the 1990s, Lychnikov became a familiar face in a variety of television movies, series, and feature films. His consistent performances have made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

He is perhaps best recognized for his portrayal of the telegraph operator Blazanov in HBO’s acclaimed series "Deadwood." Additionally, audiences may remember him as Howard Wolowitz’s Russian cosmonaut crewmate in the popular sitcom "The Big Bang Theory." Lychnikov’s talent continues to earn him roles in both television and film.

Andrei Sergeyevich Smirnov made his film debut in the 1960 feature "Northern Rainbow." He is a renowned Soviet and Russian actor and filmmaker, who served as a jury member at the 38th Berlin International Film Festival in 1988.

Smirnov is celebrated for directing acclaimed films such as "Belorussian Station" and "Autumn." His outstanding contributions to Russian cinema earned him the prestigious Peoples' Artist of Russia title in 2003.

In addition to his screenplay work on numerous popular projects, Smirnov has also been seen on screen in notable movies like "Chernov," "His Wife's Diary," and "Elena." His versatile career highlights both his creative vision and acting talent.

Andrei Vladimirovich Panin rose to prominence in Russia after starring in the acclaimed television series Kamenskaya, becoming a household name through his captivating performances.

His talent was recognized with the prestigious Best Actor award at the Golden Ram film festival for his outstanding portrayal in the film The Wedding.

Films like Mama, Don't Cry and Mama further cemented his status in the Russian entertainment industry. Prior to his on-screen success, Panin honed his craft as a stage performer at the Minusinsky Theater.

Known for his striking looks, Danila Valeryevich Kozlovsky made his screen debut in 1999 on the television show Simple Truth. His early appearance set the stage for a dynamic career in the Russian entertainment industry.

More than just an actor, Kozlovsky is also a talented director, scriptwriter, producer, and singer. His ability to balance these diverse roles is a testament to his exceptional dedication and multifaceted talent.

He has earned widespread acclaim for starring in notable projects such as Soulless and Legend 17. However, it was his portrayal in season six of the popular series Vikings that introduced him to an even larger international audience.

Yuri "Yura" Alexandrovich Borisov may be relatively new to the acting world, but he has already made a significant impact by starring in several acclaimed mainstream productions.

He made his on-screen debut with a minor role in the television series Metod Freyda and was named Russian Actor of the Year by GQ Russia in 2020, a testament to his rising prominence.

In 2021, Borisov received further recognition with the prestigious Golden Eagle Award. Despite being in his 30s, he has developed a filmography that competes with those of Russia’s most established actors.

Renowned for his versatility, Borisov brings authenticity and depth to the diverse, complex characters he portrays on screen.

His notable credits include standout roles in films such as AK-47 and Compartment No. 6, among others.

Vyacheslav Vasilyevich Tikhonov made his acting debut in the 1948 film The Young Guard. He quickly became a celebrated Soviet and Russian actor, best known for his iconic role as the Soviet spy Stierlitz in the television series Seventeen Moments of Spring.

Honored with titles such as People's Artist of the USSR and the Hero of Socialist Labour, Tikhonov achieved widespread recognition after starring in the rural family drama It Happened in Penkovo in 1958.

Klim Alekseevich Shipenko is a multifaceted talent, known not only as a screen actor but also as a director, screenwriter, and producer. He entered the world of acting with his debut in the 2009 feature film Neproshchennye.

Shipenko stands out as one of the few artists who have filmed portions of a science fiction movie aboard the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in cinematic history.

While details about this groundbreaking project remain limited, it is widely anticipated to be the first ever feature-length fiction film shot in space.

The film currently has the working title The Challenge.

Oleg Evgenyevich Menshikov has been a prominent figure in Russian cinema since his debut in 1980, consistently earning recognition for his compelling performances.

Beyond his success on screen, Menshikov is also an accomplished theatre director and occasional singer. He currently serves as the artistic director of the Yermolova Theatre and was honored with the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1992 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in When She Danced.

Some of Menshikov's most notable roles include standout performances in Burnt by the Sun, The Barber of Siberia, Burnt by the Sun 2: Exodus, Burnt by the Sun 2: Citadel, and East/West.

These acclaimed films helped establish Menshikov's reputation on the international stage, broadening his audience beyond Russia.

Menshikov's dedication to the arts has earned him the Order of Honour of the Russian Federation and three prestigious State Prizes of the Russian Federation—testament to his significant contributions to Russian cinema.

Grigoriy Eduardovich Dobrygin began his acting career in 2009 with the feature film Black Lightning. A truly versatile artist, Dobrygin has established himself as a prominent figure in Russian cinema.

In addition to his work as a film and theater actor, Dobrygin is also a talented director and producer. Impressively, he is a classically trained ballet dancer, further showcasing his wide-ranging artistic skills.

Dobrygin gained widespread recognition for his performance in the acclaimed Russian drama How I Ended This Summer. He later appeared in notable Western productions such as A Most Wanted Man, Black Sea, and Our Kind of Traitor.

He is often regarded as one of Russia's leading acting exports in recent years, with many even dubbing him "Russia's James Franco" due to his diverse talents and international appeal.

Sergey Vitalyevich Bezrukov began his acting journey with an uncredited role in the 1990 film Pokhorony Stalina. Over the years, he has established himself as both a popular film and stage actor, and he is also recognized for his singing talents.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Bezrukov has been involved in politics as a member of the Supreme Council of the United Russia party. From 1995 to 2000, he showcased his versatility by participating in the satirical television program Puppets.

Bezrukov's breakthrough came with the crime drama series Brigada, which cemented his status as a household name in Russia. He continued to impress audiences with notable roles in projects such as Admiral, The Master and Margarita, High Security Vacation, and The Irony of Fate 2.

This Soviet Latvian-born Russian-American dancer, choreographer, and actor is one of the most distinct personalities to make it to this list.

Even though he acted in quite a few motion pictures and television series, Mikhail Nikolayevich Baryshnikov was actually a distinguished male classical dancer of the 1970s and 1980s.

The White Nights actor received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards for his character projection in the 1977 feature The Turning Point.

Aleksandr Nikolaevich Baluev made his acting debut in the 1984 feature film Egorka. He is known to be fluent in French, German, and English languages.

The Soviet and Russian theatre and film actor has appeared in more than 100 films and television productions throughout his career.

Our readers would find it interesting to learn that his first roles in theatre saw him playing in productions of Clock Without Hands and Lady of the Camellias.

Included in the coveted list of the Top 100 Most Beautiful People in Moscow in 2001, Aleksandr Yurievich Domogarov was born in the family of theatrical figure Yuri Domogarov.

The actor, who is known for his macho personality, has been seen playing historical roles quite often in his screen career.

As a child, Domogarov developed a taste in music and, therefore, was given an education in the same. It is not surprising then that aside from acting, he's also been seen performing complex vocal parts in stage plays.

Projects such as Midshipmen III and Grafinya de Monsoro brought him fame during the 1990s.

Yul Brynner was as popular for his shaved head as for the roles that he portrayed in mainstream feature films during his career.

It is said that the actor liked to keep his personal life wrapped in mystery. Therefore, not a lot about his life was known to the public; not until the publication of the books "Yul: The Man Who Would Be King" and "Empire and Odyssey" by his son, Yul "Rock" Brynner.

Since he looked exotic to the producers, Brynner was provided with a range of roles to play on the silver screen.

Some of his best performances came in features such as The Ten Commandments, Anastasia, and The Magnificent Seven.

The man received the National Board of Review Award for Best Actor for his strong character projection in the Cecil B. DeMille epic The Ten Commandments in 1956.

While most people got to know him as a diligent actor, only a few were well-served by his skills as a photographer, model, and writer, respectively. 

Konstantin Nikolaevich Lavronenko made his motion picture debut in 1985. He studied acting at the Rostov Art College from 1978 to 1979.

He is best recognized for playing the role of an enigmatic father of two boys in the 2003 drama feature film Vozvrashcheniye.

For his memorable character projection in The Banishment, Lavronenko won the Best Actor prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.

He has been honored with the Order of Friendship by the state of Russia in 2016.

This Soviet and Russian actor has been making his presence felt in the movies since the second half of the 1950s. He has also served as the Artistic Director of the Moscow Art Theatre.

While Oleg Tabakov has appeared in more than 100 feature films, he has also had a career in theater to look forward to.

The actor was honored with the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" for his contributions in the development of domestic theatrical and creative art.

Even though Aleksey Vladimirovich Batalov was seen playing an uncredited role in his maiden motion picture Zoya, he soon became well-known within the Russian film industry for playing noble and encouraging characters.

Named a People's Artist of the USSR (1976) and a Hero of Socialist Labour (1989), he was one of the most popular Soviet actors during the Khrushchev Thaw.

One of his most admired films, The Cranes Are Flying, won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Batalov was honored with a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award at the 29th Moscow International Film Festival for his contribution to cinema.

Vladimir Vladimirovich Vdovichenkov was first seen making an appearance in the show Kamenskaya - 1 in 1999. He gained fame during the early years of his career.

This is because he got the opportunity to star in two popular projects, Boomer and Brigada, both of which went on to develop a cult following of their own in Russia.

One of his other flicks, Leviathan, won the Golden Globe and was also nominated for an Oscar.

It opened to rave reviews both at the 45th International Film Festival of India and the 2014 BFI London Film Festival.

Being born into a family of famous actors certainly has its perks and nobody knows it better than Vasily Borisovich Livanov.

Livanov, who was brought up in an intellectually sound environment, was a voracious reader as a child and also displayed great interest in art.

Little did the kid know that he would soon evolve into an actor, animation and film director, and screenwriter in the Russian film industry.

The actor was named People's Artist of the RSFSR in 1988 and is best known for playing the prominent role of Detective Sherlock Holmes in the popular Soviet TV series.

One of the most esteemed performers in the history of Russian entertainment, Yuri Nikulin had been appearing in motion pictures since the late 1950s.

A Soviet and Russian actor and clown, he is known to have participated in quite a few popular domestic releases.

Some of his best performances came in comedy features such as The Diamond Arm and Kidnapping, Caucasian Style. Having said that, one could also find Nikulin playing dramatic roles and partaking in the famed Moscow Circus.

Nikulin, who was born just after the culmination of the Russian Civil War, was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1973. In 1990, he was also acknowledged as the Hero of Socialist Labour.

Not only that but he has also won a number of state awards throughout his noted career. 

Oleg Konstantinovich Popov was a Soviet and Russian clown and circus artist who ensured to make his admirable presence felt in motion pictures as well.

Honored with the People's Artist of the USSR award, the entertainer was seen in film projects such as Ring of Daring, Ma-Ma, and The Blue Bird, to mention a few.

He is also known to have performed in German circuses and television. Popov's book of memoirs, titled "Russian Clown", has been translated into a lot many languages, including English.

Yury Mefodievich Solomin has been art director of the Maly Theatre in Moscow since 1988. He made his acting debut in 1960.

This acclaimed Soviet and Russian actor and film director was Minister of Culture of the RSFSR from 1990-1991. He was praised for his performances in Igor Ilyinsky's production of The Government Inspector, TASS Is Authorized to Declare..., and Woe from Wit.

Solomin was often seen playing a Russian imperial officer in Soviet movies. He has also worked with Japan's top director Akira Kurosawa in Dersu Uzala.

Alexander Andreevich Petrov made his acting debut on the television show Golosa in 2010. He was a part of a number of movie and television projects between 2012 to 2020.

While he was seen portraying an iconic Russian writer in The Beginning, the actor has also made his presence felt in science fiction and melodramatic motion pictures.

However, it was his character projection in the television show Call DiCaprio that truly revealed Petrov's talent and passion for performing.

Petrov, who has also been a committed theater actor, has appeared in the disaster-themed movie Attraction and its sequel Invasion as well.

Elya Baskin is one of the most recognized Russian-American character actors to have performed in Hollywood productions.

After having grabbed eyeballs by playing a part in Moscow on the Hudson, the actor was also seen playing tiny roles in flicks such as Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3.

In his stint in the American film industry, he is mostly seen portraying Eastern European characters.

Yuri Andreyevich Kolokolnikov is a well-recognized Russian stage and film actor who made his acting debut in the 1998 feature film Retro vtroyom.

Ardent fans of the insanely popular television show Game of Thrones would remember him for appearing in its fourth season as Styr, Magnar of Thenn.

Having said that, Kolokolnikov also made a name for himself by portraying Gennadi Bystrov in The Americans. He's also featured in the American action-comedy The Hitman's Bodyguard.

This Soviet Russian and American actor was a director and producer who starred in about 50 productions ever since the beginning of his professional acting career in 1961.

Thanks to his caliber, he was noticed by a few foreign filmmakers, which, ultimately, allowed him to appear in international features such as Battle of Neretva, Hagbard and Signe, and Waterloo. That being said, Vidov applied for and was granted U. S. citizenship.

Known for his broad and charming smile, Vitaly Mefodievich Solomin was a Soviet and Russian actor, director, and screenwriter who made his acting debut during the first half of the 1960s.

After being able to grab a significant role in the 1966 film Elder Sister, he was seen gaining prominence after being cast as the main lead in the epic film Dauria.

During the 1980s, Solomin continued to make his presence among the audience felt by playing the popular role of Dr. Watson in a series of full-length feature films about Sherlock Holmes.

Yevgeni Nikolayevich Lazarev was sometimes also credited as Eugene Lazarev in his projects. He was a Russian-American screen performer and director who was born in Minsk.

He was yet another Russian actor who decided to emigrate to the United States of America looking for better cinematic opportunities.

Needless to say, he was seen in Hollywood films such as The Saint, The Sum of All Fears, Lord of War, and Iron Man 2, to mention a few.

In addition, Lazarev also made his presence felt in television shows such as The West Wing, Alias, and 24, among others.

Yevgeny Vladimirovich Sidikhin is quite popular in Russia courtesy of being the television host of his own show. He made his acting debut in the 1991 feature film Za posledney chertoy.

Also a professional martial arts and boxing champion, he's played several roles during the initial years of his career banking on his martial arts skills.

Sidikhin is also known to have served in Turkmenistan and the military intelligence in Afghanistan.

The grandson of the late Soviet-era actors Vadim Beroev and Elvira Brunovskaya, Egor Vadimovich Beroev made his acting debut in 1994.

He made his debut screen appearance even before he graduated from the Mikhail Shchepkin Higher Theatre College in 1998.

Besides being an actor in mainstream cinema, Beroev has also featured in television and stage productions throughout his career.

He has been married to the Russian actress Ksenia Alfyorova since November 2001.

Michael Chekhov was a Russian-American actor who was best known for his work on stage.

Besides being an actor, he was also a director, author, and theatre practitioner, and a student of Konstantin Stanislavski.

Known for using a technique of acting that comprised physical movement and a ton of imagination, Chekhov was seen playing the Freudian analyst in Alfred Hitchcock's 1945 flick Spellbound.

For his performance in the film, he received his only Academy Award nomination.

Alexander Borisovich Godunov is another Russian actor who was popular for a skill other than acting.

He was the premier dancer of the internationally renowned classical ballet company, The Bolshoi Ballet. While continuing to do justice to his love of dance, he started working as a supporting actor in mainstream Hollywood feature films.

Needless to say, the actor could be seen playing several small but significant roles in titles such as Witness and Die Hard.

It is imperative to mention that while Godunov was touring New York City with the Bolshoi Ballet, he got in touch with the authorities there and requested political asylum in the United States of America; an event that, ultimately, led to his divorce.

Savely Viktorovich Kramarov started acting in feature films at the beginning of the 1960s. He was best known for his character play of a thief in the cult classic Soviet comedy Gentlemen of Fortune.

While the Russian actor participated in over 40 motion pictures in his home country, he was later seen in plenty more after he immigrated to the United States of America.

Kramarov was modestly successful during his stint in American cinema, where he was mostly seen playing minor Russian roles in mainstream feature films.

Igor Vitalievich Jijikine is a Russian-American actor who can be seen in productions of both nations. He made his feature film debut in 2002.

The actor studied drama and acrobatics during the first half of the 1980s while also performing compulsory military service with the Soviet Special Forces unit Spetznaz.

Over the years, Jijikine has had the privilege of working with renowned directors such as Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, and J.J. Abrams.

Two very successful motion pictures that he has been a part of are Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and The Tourist.

Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Kuznetsov is a Ukrainian-Russian actor who started his acting career by participating mostly in independent projects that received little to no support from the Government of Russia.

The actor has played key roles in Russian films and television and has also been a consistent stage performer in his home country.

He is best known for playing a character in projects such as Better Than Us, Why Don’t You Just Die?, and Leto, to name a few.

This Russian film and television actor made his debut in 1979 with Inzhener Graftio. Currently residing in the United States of America, Vitali Aleksandrovich Baganov was seen playing the guest character of Valery the Russian gangster in the hit television show The Sopranos.

After having appeared in a few episodes of the aforementioned series, the actor could also be seen featuring in other United States television series such as Louie and The Americans.

Oleg Nikolaevich Taktarov made his acting debut by playing a key role in the 1996 film Total Force.

What is interesting about this performer is that he is a retired mixed martial artist who was also a practitioner of Sambo and Judo.

After having retired from mixed martial arts temporarily, Taktarov decided to concentrate on his acting career.

Sooner than later, he was seen participating in features such as 15 Minutes, Bad Boys II, 44 Minutes: The North Hollywood Shoot-Out, Air Force One, and the 2002 version of Rollerball.

Mikhail Vitalievich Gorevoy made his acting debut in the late 1980s. He has occasionally been credited as Michael Gor in numerous English language productions.

The viewers got familiar with the actor after having seen him portray Vladimir Popov in the James Bond feature film Die Another Day.

Gorevoy is also known to have played the part of Ivan Alexandrovich Schischkin in the critically acclaimed Steven Spielberg directorial venture Bridge of Spies.

Alexander Konstantinovich Kuznetsov was a Russian-American actor who graduated from Schukin Theatrical College. The actor made his acting debut in a television movie in 1983.

He went on to participate in a lot of Russian feature films and television shows throughout his career.

A key member of the Malaya Bronaya Theater from 1985 to 1989, Kuznetsov was also seen making an appearance in American shows such as NYPD Blue, Crossing Jordan, Alias, and 24, to mention a few.

Ravil Akhmedullovich Isyanov was one of the better-known Russian actors in the United States of America during his heyday.

He appeared in over 70 film and television projects throughout his career. The actor, who served in the Soviet Air Force for two years, is most well-known for his character projection of Anatoli Kirkin on NCIS: Los Angeles.

Isyanov studied at the British American Drama Academy and could be seen working in British feature films such as GoldenEye and Two Deaths in 1995.

He continued to stay and work in Los Angeles until the very last moment of his life.