Rea Lest

Rea Lest-Liik, born on May 14, 1990, in Tallinn, Estonia, is a distinguished actress celebrated for her impactful performances on both stage and screen. She gained widespread recognition during the 2010s with her compelling roles in notable Estonian films, including "November" and "Manslayer/Virgin/Shadow." Her exceptional talent has earned her multiple accolades throughout her career.

Lest completed her secondary education at Jakob Westholm Gymnasium in 2009 and initially pursued art therapy at the University of Tartu in 2010. However, her passion for acting led her to the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, where she studied under Tiit Ojasoo, graduating in 2014. During her studies, she received the Voldemar Panso Young Actor Award in 2012. Among her peers were Jaanika Arum, Helena Pruuli, and future husband Jörgen Liik.

After graduating, she joined Theatre NO99 in Tallinn, contributing to the vibrant arts scene until the theatre's closure in 2019. Lest made her on-screen debut in the 2014 short film "Lõputu suvi," and her first significant role came in the 2016 feature "Ema," which was Estonia's submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 89th Academy Awards.

She starred in the critically acclaimed gothic fantasy thriller "November," which was also an Oscar contender and premiered at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival. Lest further showcased her versatility in "Mehetapja/Süütu/Vari," portraying three distinct characters. In 2019, she captivated audiences in "Skandinaavia vaikus," a psychological thriller that won accolades at the Riga Film Festival.