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Ilia DrenovActor of the Sovremennik Theatre.
Date of Birth: 03.10.1977
Country:  Russia |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Ilya Drenov was born on October 3, 1977, in Moscow, Russia, to non-theatrical parents. His father was a telephone engineer who frequently traveled abroad, while his mother was a motorcyclist. Drenov displayed an early interest in fencing and pursued a career in the sport. However, in high school, his aptitude in mathematics led his parents to suggest he consider a degree in economics. An academic triumph granted him an opportunity to study banking in an American college. However, influenced by a classmate's plea, Drenov applied to several theatrical institutes after graduating. Despite her failure to gain admission, he was accepted into two schools, ultimately opting for the M. S. Shchepkin Higher Theatre School.
Film and Television Career
Drenov's cinematic debut came in 1999's "Voroshilov Sharpshooter," where he portrayed a teenage rapist. The film garnered critical acclaim, and ironically, this negative role propelled Drenov into the limelight. Subsequent notable works include the comedy "About Love and Other Troubles," the fantasy "My Mother is the Snow Maiden," and the crime drama "On the Trail of the Beast," in which he played the lead role of a hardened criminal. He also reprised his role as Professor Sergei Vitalievich Schulz in "The Claw of Mauritania" and appeared in the mystical thriller "Wake Me Up."
Personal Life
Drenov met his wife, actress Maria Poroshina, in 2001 at a theater performance. They connected afterward and soon began living together. Despite Drenov's Muslim faith and Poroshina's Orthodox background, they compromised on matters of religion and child-rearing. They agreed that male children would follow Islam, while female children would be baptized Christian. Together, they welcomed four daughters: Serafima, Agrafena, Glafira, and a fifth child, born in 2019. Poroshina also has an older daughter from a previous marriage with actor Gosha Kutsenko. Drenov maintains a cordial relationship with Kutsenko.
Separation and Divorce
In August 2018, news emerged of Poroshina's pregnancy with a fifth child. Simultaneously, reports circulated of a rift within their marriage. Despite her pregnancy, the actress chose to separate after 17 years of togetherness. The couple kept their personal struggles private, but their close circle confirmed the split. Poroshina filed for divorce in early summer, which was granted by the court. She later hinted that Drenov was not the father of her child, sparking rumors of a romance with her "Unfinished Novel" co-star Yaroslav Boyko. It was subsequently revealed that Poroshina's partner was a Spanish citizen. Drenov filed a paternity suit in April 2019, which was later withdrawn due to a technicality.
Current Status
Despite their separation, Drenov and Poroshina continue to work together on stage in the production "Ideal Wife." He maintains a low online presence, avoiding social media platforms. Drenov's film and television appearances have been limited in recent times, with "Reflection of the Rainbow" being his only upcoming project.
