Ludmila Dmitrieva Russian theater and film actress. Date of Birth: 09.08.1947 Country: Russia

1. Childhood and Education
2. Breakthrough and Maly Theatre
3. Departure from Maly Theatre and Join Et Cetera Theatre
4. Film and Television Career
5. Personal Life
6. Recent Years

Childhood and Education

Lyudmila Borisovna Dmitrieva was born in Moscow on June 12, 1947. Despite coming from a non-artistic family, she harbored an unwavering dream of becoming an actress. However, her mother initially advised her to pursue a practical profession first. Adhering to her mother's wishes, Dmitrieva enrolled in a night program at the Textile Institute, working during the day at a research and design institute.

Breakthrough and Maly Theatre

In her third year at the Textile Institute, Dmitrieva stumbled upon a university drama studio led by Leonid Persianinov, an actor at the Soviet Army Theatre. After an emotive audition, she was invited to join the ensemble. While completing her studies at the Textile Institute, Dmitrieva simultaneously prepared for the entrance exams at the Moscow Art Theatre School (MXAT), where she would be guided by Boris Ardov, an actor at the Soviet Army Theatre and the brother of renowned actor Alexei Batalov. In 1975, she graduated from the MXAT School-Studio, earning her degree in theater arts.

That same year, she joined the Maly Theatre troupe at the invitation of its Artistic Director Oleg Efremov. During her tenure at the Maly Theatre, Dmitrieva performed in over 20 productions, including "The Last Ones" by Maxim Gorky, "Tamada" by Kama Ginkas, "Husband and Wife to Rent a Room" by Roman Viktyuk, and "Nina" by Efremov. Each role showcased her distinctive interpretation and transformative abilities, earning her critical acclaim and audience admiration.

Departure from Maly Theatre and Join Et Cetera Theatre

After 15 years at the Maly Theatre, Dmitrieva decided to leave due to professional differences with Efremov. Two years later, in 1993, she was invited to join Alexander Kalyagin's Et Cetera Theatre, where she has remained a leading actress ever since. At Et Cetera, Dmitrieva has taken on a wide range of roles, including the age-appropriate Maria Voynitskaya in "Uncle Vanya," the eccentric and lovable baroness Duverger in "Lucienne Gautier, or Shoot on Sight!," and the Doge in Robert Sturua's production of "Shylock."

Film and Television Career

While theater remains Dmitrieva's artistic priority, she has also enjoyed success on the screen. She made her film debut in Ilya Averbakh's psychological drama "Other People's Letters" (1975) and went on to appear in notable films such as "Sentimental Romance" (1976), "Rings of Almanzor" (1977), and "Take Me with You" (1979).

However, it was her portrayal of the eccentric Suzanne Brisard in Alla Surikova's detective comedy "Look for a Woman" (1982) that catapulted Dmitrieva to stardom. Her performance as the "church mouse" was universally praised, earning her a place among the film's stellar cast, which included Elena Solovey, Alexander Abdulov, Leonid Kuravlev, and Sofiko Chiaurili.

Personal Life

Dmitrieva met her first husband, actor Boris Ardov, in the drama studio at the Textile Institute. Their relationship blossomed into love and eventually marriage. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Masha. However, their union was short-lived, ending after three years due to Ardov's infidelity.

Dmitrieva's second marriage, to set designer Yuri Senshishin, has proved to be a lasting and supportive relationship. Together, they have a son, Alexei. Over the years, Dmitrieva has been blessed with four grandchildren, whom she adores.

Recent Years

Today, Dmitrieva continues to grace the stage of the Et Cetera Theatre, where she has become a revered figure. Her performance in Alexander Galin's "Companions," a role written specifically for her, earned her a prestigious award from the newspaper "Moskovsky Komsomolets." She remains an active part of the arts community and inspires audiences with her unwavering passion and dedication to her craft.