Alisa Freyndlikh

Alisa Brunovna Freindlich, born on December 8, 1934, in Leningrad, Soviet Union, is a celebrated actress renowned for her contributions to both Soviet and Russian cinema and theater. Hailing from a family steeped in the performing arts, her father, Bruno Freindlich, was a distinguished actor and People's Artist of the Soviet Union. Alisa's heritage is a blend of German and Russian roots, with her paternal family having resided in Russia for over a century.

Her early years were marked by a passion for the arts, as she participated in drama and music classes at the Leningrad Palace of Pioneers. The harrowing experience of surviving the 900-day Siege of Leningrad during World War II did not deter her from pursuing her education, which continued post-war.

Freindlich pursued formal training at the Leningrad Institute of Theatre, Music and Cinema, graduating in 1957. She joined the Komissarjevsky Theatre in Leningrad from 1957 to 1961, before moving to the Lensovet Theatre. After a personal transition in 1982, she became part of the prestigious Bolshoi Drama Theater (BDT) under the direction of Georgy Tovstonogov, where she remains an integral member.

While she excelled on stage, Freindlich also made her mark in film with memorable performances in Eldar Ryazanov's beloved comedy "Office Romance" (1977), the controversial "Agony" (1975), and Andrei Tarkovsky's iconic "Stalker" (1979). Her portrayal of Queen Anne of Austria in the Soviet TV adaptation of "D'Artagnan and Three Musketeers" (1978) and its sequels further solidified her status.

In recognition of her artistic achievements, Freindlich was honored with a state decoration by Vladimir Putin on her 70th birthday and received a Nika Award in 2005