Consuelo De Haviland French-American actress, dancer, writer Date of Birth: 28.04.1955 Country: France

1. Consuelo de Haviland: A Life of Transformation
2. A Childhood Fascinated by Russian Culture
3. A Career in Dance and Film
4. Embracing Russian Culture
5. A Russian Love Affair
6. A New Path in Railway Diplomacy
7. A Legacy of Friendship
8. The Road Ahead

Consuelo de Haviland: A Life of Transformation

Born into an aristocratic family in New York City on April 28, 1955, Consuelo de Haviland embarked on a remarkable journey that defies categorization.

A Childhood Fascinated by Russian Culture

Consuelo's father was a porcelain manufacturer whose work graced even the White House. Her grandfather, Harold, nurtured her love for Russian culture by reading Mikhail Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita" to her as a child. The novel's depiction of the revolution left a profound impact, inspiring her dream of marrying a "Decembrist," a Russian revolutionary.

A Career in Dance and Film

Following a childhood spent studying classical dance in Paris and Sofia, a ballet injury turned Consuelo's focus to acting. After mastering the Stanislavski method, she made her on-screen debut in 1979 in Jacques Demy's "Lady Oscar." Fame followed with roles in "Thirty-Seven and Two in the Morning" and "Ne réveillez pas un flic qui dort."

Embracing Russian Culture

Consuelo's unwavering passion for Russian culture led her to become an avid promoter of the Avignon Festival in Russia. She played a pivotal role in organizing the "Russian Seasons" as an emissary. In addition to her acting career, she also penned the autobiographical novel "Boulevard Dondukov" in 1987.

A Russian Love Affair

In 1990, Consuelo's life took an unexpected turn when she met Russian actor Igor Kostolevsky during their work on François Rocha's "Oresteia." Their connection sparked a whirlwind romance that led to her becoming a citizen of both France and Russia. To honor her Russian heritage, she adopted the Orthodox name Evdokia Georgievna.

A New Path in Railway Diplomacy

After her marriage to Kostolevsky, Consuelo's acting career gradually faded away. Following a near-plane crash, she developed a fear of flying and sought an alternative to travel. Inspired by the lack of rail service between Paris and Moscow since 1994, she persistently contacted the Russian Railways CEO, Vladimir Yakunin. Through diplomatic efforts, she successfully reopened the route, earning her the nickname "The Ambassador of Love."

A Legacy of Friendship

Consuelo's tireless dedication to strengthening ties between France and Russia was recognized in 2015 when she received the Order of Friendship from President Vladimir Putin. Despite her retirement from the silver screen, she remains a vibrant and active presence in cultural events alongside her beloved husband.

The Road Ahead

Childless by choice, Consuelo finds solace in her "children," the trains that epitomize her unyielding spirit. In the documentary "Igor Kostolevsky: Captivating Happiness" (2022), she opened up about her life with the "Decembrist" of her dreams, Igor Kostolevsky. Consuelo de Haviland's extraordinary journey continues to inspire, proving that life can take unexpected and fulfilling turns when one embraces their passions and follows their heart.