Ivan Kolesnikov

Ivan Kolesnikov

Film and theatre actor
Date of Birth: 18.03.1983
Country: Russia

Content:
  1. Early Life and Family
  2. Education and Career
  3. Film and Television Success
  4. Recent Works
  5. Personal Life

Early Life and Family

Ivan Kolesnikov, a renowned Russian actor of theatre and cinema, was born into a family immersed in the arts on March 18, 1983. His father, Sergei Valentinovich, was a celebrated actor with over three decades at the Moscow Art Theatre (MKhAT). Additionally, he appeared in numerous films and television programs, including the popular series "Fazenda." Ivan's mother, Maria Alexandrovna, worked as a theater artist but has since pursued pursuits in quilting and fashion design. His older brother, Alexander, became an architect, following in the footsteps of their grandfather.

Ivan, growing up in a theatrical environment, made his debut on stage in productions such as "Boris Godunov" and "The New American." Despite his early involvement in theater, he also developed interests in archery, horseback riding, and rock climbing.

Education and Career

Ivan Kolesnikov's formal training began at a theater studio. Subsequently, he enrolled in the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute, where he studied under the guidance of V. Korshunov. During his sophomore year, he landed the role of Petkutin in the MKhAT Chekhov play "Eternity and One Day," which enjoyed a successful multi-year run.

Also during his college years, Ivan married Lina Ramanauskaite, a classmate from the previous year. While Ivan's parents supported their early union, the couple faced challenges that led to a brief separation. However, their bond proved resilient, and they eventually rekindled their relationship.

After graduating from the Shchukin Institute in 2004, Kolesnikov joined the Mossovet Theatre company. Following his military service, he spent a year with the Russian Army Theatre. Meanwhile, Lina completed her studies at the MKhAT School-Studio and became a costume designer.

Film and Television Success

Ivan Kolesnikov's primary artistic focus has been in film. Prior to his adult roles, he appeared as a child actor in the children's magazine "Eralash" and the film "Oh, You Geese" (1991). In 1997, he had a small part in "Day of the Full Moon," followed by a role as the son of a buffet master in the television series "Chekhov and Co." (1998).

His first adult role was as Yarthur in "Detectives-2" (2003), followed by a prominent role in the top-rated series "Poor Nastya" (2003). Despite the presence of a star-studded cast, Kolesnikov's portrayal of the unlikeable Pisarev garnered significant attention for his expressive acting and skillful embodiment of a negative character. He also delivered an impressive performance as Galanba in "White Guard" (filmed in 2005, premiered in 2012).

In 2006, Kolesnikov and Lina welcomed their first child, Avdotya. Film and television offers continued to pour in, sometimes with Ivan sharing the screen with his father. In "Dr. Selivanova's Personal Life" (2007), Sergei Valentinovich Kolesnikov portrayed Dr. Igor Maksimovich, while Ivan played Ruslan in the episode "Power of Tradition."

Ivan's success continued with well-received series such as "Love of Witchery" (2008-2009), "Proposed Circumstances" (2010), and "Detective Samoilov" (2010). However, his breakout role came in the historical drama "Institute for Noble Maidens" (premiered in 2010). Kolesnikov's portrayal of the central character, Prince Khovanovsky, was highly praised for its authenticity and charisma. This series garnered immense popularity, leading to a 260-episode first season followed by "Secrets of the Institute for Noble Maidens" with 259 episodes.

Recent Works

In 2015, Ivan Kolesnikov starred in Stanislav Govorukhin's feature film "The End of the Beautiful Era," playing the courageous reporter Andrei Lentulov alongside actors such as Fyodor Dobronravov, Sergei Garmash, and Svetlana Khodchenkova.

2016 saw Kolesnikov in the historical series "Sophia," depicting the life of Sophia Palaiologina. He also took on the lead role in the romantic drama "To See the Rainbow," directed by Oksana Bayrak.

In recent years, Ivan has portrayed Stiva Oblonsky in Karen Shakhnazarov's "Anna Karenina" and its sequel "Anna Karenina. Vronsky's Story." He also starred as Soviet basketball legend Alexander Belov in the 2017 sports film "Going Vertical."

In 2018, Kolesnikov returned to the historical era of "Boris Godunov," this time in the television series "Godunov," portraying a nobleman. He also appeared in the epic drama "Tobol," which explored the expeditions of Peter the Great into Siberia.

Personal Life

Ivan Kolesnikov married Lina Ramanauskaite while still studying in theater school. Their early union faced challenges, but their love persevered. The couple has three daughters: Avdotya (born 2006), Vera (born 2013), and their youngest child (born in 2018). Ivan has publicly expressed his desire for his daughters to pursue paths outside of acting.

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