Nikolai Lebedev Actor Date of Birth: 15.12.1921 Country: Russia

Biography of Nikolay Lebedev

Nikolay Lebedev, a renowned Russian actor and People's Artist of Russia, was born and raised in the heart of Moscow. Growing up, he spent most of his time in the theater where his mother worked as a cashier. Due to his parents' busy schedules, Lebedev often accompanied his mother to the theater, where he developed a passion for acting.

Unable to give him much attention, Lebedev's parents struggled to keep him engaged in school, leading to his expulsion in the ninth grade. Without hesitation, he immediately enrolled in a theater studio taught by famous instructors Khmelev and Efros, while also attending courses to complete his high school education.

In early 1940, after finishing his studies at the theater studio, Lebedev joined the youth troupe of the Moscow Theater of Young Spectators. However, his time in the theater was cut short when he was drafted into the army in April 1941, just before the outbreak of World War II. Lebedev served in Proskurov and was later sent to the front lines. Initially equipped with only a pistol, he eventually received a rifle and replaced a fallen machine gunner.

During a fierce battle near Uman, Lebedev suffered a concussion and, along with other wounded soldiers, was captured by the Germans. He made numerous attempts to escape, disguising himself as a civilian and traversing Ukraine and the Oryol region. However, he was caught again while crossing the front lines.

Lebedev was sent to several prisoner-of-war camps, including Lamsdorf and Auschwitz. Despite the harsh conditions, he chose not to escape, fearing the consequences if caught without proper documents. Fortunately, his camp was liberated by the Soviet army, sparing him from further hardships.

After his release, Lebedev initially returned to the Moscow Theater of Young Spectators, where he had worked before the war. However, he soon enrolled in the Moscow Art Theatre School, where he received training from esteemed teachers such as Stanitsyn, Blinikov, and Kedrov. Despite his talent, Lebedev faced challenges due to his time as a prisoner of war, as former POWs were often treated with suspicion.

Yuri Alexandrovich Zavadsky, the chief director of the Moscow Art Theatre, disregarded the stigma surrounding Lebedev and invited him to join the theater's troupe. Lebedev remained with the theater for over 50 years. Although he initially played supporting roles, his fame grew through his work in cinema during the late 1950s.

Lebedev's film career began with an invitation to play a leading role in the romantic drama "Unsent Letter" directed by Mikhail Kalatozov. However, the role ultimately went to another actor. Nevertheless, Lebedev soon secured the lead role in the Soviet-French heroic drama "Normandie-Niemen," which depicted the heroic actions of the French squadron during World War II.

Throughout his career, Lebedev appeared in various films, playing diverse roles in both political and romantic films. Despite not all his films being considered masterpieces, he continued to receive numerous offers, often for supporting roles. In the 1970s, he starred in the duology "Criminal Investigation Inspector" and "Criminal Investigation Week" directed by Sulamif Cibulnik.

In the later years of his career, Lebedev's onscreen appearances became less frequent, and he mostly played minor roles. His last film role was in the melodrama "Leave at Your Own Expense" where he portrayed the deputy minister Orlov. However, he continues to work at the Moscow Art Theatre, taking on roles such as Von Dust in "The White Guard" and the Doctor in "King Lear."

Lebedev's wife, Anna Georgievna Kasenkina, is also an actress who worked extensively at the Moscow Art Theatre. She played notable roles such as Nina Zarechnaya in "The Seagull," Nina in "Masquerade," and Desdemona in "Othello." She is currently retired.

Nikolay Lebedev's contribution to both theater and cinema has left an indelible mark on Russian culture, and his passion for acting continues to inspire future generations.