Vera Novikova Actress Date of Birth: 06.10.1958 Country: Russia

Biography of Vera Novikova

Vera Novikova is an award-winning actress who received the prize for Best Actress at the International Festival "Faces of Love" in 1998 for her role in the film "Naked". She graduated from the Shchukin Theatre School in 1979, studying under E.R. Simonov and V.K. Lvova. That same year, she joined the troupe of the Evgeny Vakhtangov Theatre.

Throughout the 1980s, Novikova appeared in popular productions such as "Princess Turandot" as Zelima, "The Buff Mystery" as the wife of the Negus, "Truth of Memory" as Olga Solyanik, "Ladies and Hussars" as Sofia, "The Wounded" as Anya, "Little Tragedies" as Laura, and "Rus! Bravo!" as Dunya. She also appeared in several notable films during this time, including "Mrs. Nicanorova Awaits You" (Tamara), "Close Distance" (Zhenka Kolykhalova), "Krosha's Vacations" (Zoya), "The Ring from Amsterdam" (Nina), and "Donkey Skin" (Princess Teresa).

In 1984, Novikova starred in the science fiction comedy "Chance" directed by Alexander Mayorov, based on the novel "Martian Potion" by Kir Bulychev. Her character, Shurochka, was a trainee and a third-year student at a pedagogical institute. This film marked a turning point in her career and solidified her status as a recognized actress.

During this time, Novikova had already experienced an unsuccessful marriage and was raising her daughter Anastasia on her own. She initially did not take the advances of the young and passionate Sergei Zhigunov, who was five years younger than her, seriously. However, Zhigunov's persistence eventually won her over, and they got married two years later. They formed a close bond, and Zhigunov developed a wonderful relationship with Novikova's daughter, whom he was already close to even before their marriage.

In the 1990s, Novikova focused more on her family, as the Russian film industry faced a serious crisis and she took a break from acting. However, she made occasional appearances in films such as "New Year in November" and as Vovochka's mother in the series "Vovochka." She also continued her work in the Vakhtangov Theatre, playing Felisata Mikhailovna in Vladimir Ivanov's production of "Uncle's Dream."

In 2005, seeking self-realization, Novikova opened a theater club in Abramtsevo. However, her dedication to this new venture caused tension in her marriage to Zhigunov, as she spent less time at home. Meanwhile, Zhigunov experienced a second wave of popularity, thanks to the highly-rated series "My Fair Nanny," in which he played the lead role of producer Shatalin, with Anastasia Zavorotnyuk cast as the nanny. Their on-screen romance spilled over into real life, and in March 2007, Zhigunov divorced Novikova and entered into a relationship with Zavorotnyuk.

Novikova handled the situation with grace and did not speak negatively about her ex-husband in the media. Eventually, Zhigunov's relationship with Zavorotnyuk ended, and he reconciled with Novikova. They remarried on October 6, 2009. Novikova recalls that Zhigunov proposed to her again after drinking vodka, and she jokingly admits that she probably should have refused him a few more times.

In the late 2000s, Novikova made a comeback to the screen after a long hiatus, appearing in the melodrama series "Always Say 'Always' - 6" as Lydia. She also continued her successful stage career, delivering memorable performances in productions such as "Farewell Tours" and "Anna Karenina."

Vera Novikova is a talented actress with a diverse body of work in both theater and film. She has proven her versatility and dedication to her craft throughout her career, and her ability to captivate audiences with her performances remains as strong as ever.