Irma Raush

Irma Yakovlevna Raush (Russian: Ирма Яковлевна Рауш), born on April 21, 1938, in Saratov to a Volga German family, is a prominent Russian actress and the first wife of renowned film director Andrei Tarkovsky. She gained fame for her pivotal roles in Tarkovsky's films, notably as Durochka in "Andrei Rublev" and as Ivan's mother in "Ivan's Childhood."

Raush began her formal education at the State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) in 1954, where she studied under Mikhail Romm alongside her future husband. The pair married in April 1957 and welcomed their son, Arseny Tarkovsky, on September 30, 1962. However, their marriage ended in divorce in June 1970.

Throughout her career, Raush made significant contributions to Tarkovsky's early works, with her performances helping to shape the emotional depth of his films. Her role in "Andrei Rublev" earned her the Étoile de Cristal award in 1970 for best foreign actress, a notable recognition in the French film industry that preceded the César Award. In 1970, she transitioned to directing films at the Gorky Film Studio, further diversifying her artistic endeavors. After stepping away from film, she turned to writing, focusing on children's literature, showcasing her creative versatility beyond the screen.