Popular actor Andrei Leonov: “I’m sorry that as a child I caused my dad so much trouble!”

BIOGRAPHY

Andrei Leonov was born into a creative family. His father is People's Artist of Russia Evgeny Pavlovich Leonov, his mother is an employee of the literary department of Lenkom, Vanda Vladimirovna Leonova.

The decision to become an artist did not come immediately. Andrey says: “My father’s merit is that he never dragged me into acting, did not force me, did not put pressure on me. This was not in his character. When I was little, they didn’t take me to performances, but I attended my father’s rehearsals and concerts. At the same time, I did not consider myself a theater child. But at some point something changed in my mind. Becoming an artist was my choice." In 1976, Andrei became a student at the Higher Theater School. B.V. Shchukin (course of Alla Kazanskaya).

Immediately after graduating from the institute, the actor was accepted into the Lenkom troupe. After working in the theater for 2 years, Leonov made an unexpected decision to leave the theater and join the tank forces. “I served in a tank unit. For three months I drove a battalion commander in a UAZ, and the rest of the time I drove a shovel rather than a tank. However, all the other soldiers did the same,” recalls the actor.

New roles of Andrey Leonov, work in Yeralash

So, in particular, in the mid-seventies, Leonov Jr. appeared in several episodes of the television magazine “Yeralash”.
And a few months later he managed to successfully pass the entrance exams at the Boris Shchukin Higher Theater School. At the named university, our today's hero began studying on the course of Alla Kazanskaya. It was here that Andrei Leonov had the opportunity to methodically work on himself, honing his acting skills. However, the young actor had to learn a lot on his own. He attended his father’s performances almost regularly, and therefore, willy-nilly, he copied the acting models of the People’s Artist of the USSR. As the actor himself admits, in his youth his main dreams were two performances - “The Legend of Tila” and “Not on the Lists.” Andrei dreamed of one day going on stage and playing together with other theater artists. And one day his wish came true.

Daddy's Daughters (trailer for the series with Andrei Leonov) It all started with a role in the film “An Ordinary Miracle,” which was released in 1978. In this project, Andrei Leonov played one of the minor roles, however, despite this, he managed to attract the attention of recognized theater figures. At the end of the same year, the young actor was invited to audition for Lenkom. And a few months later - at the beginning of 1979 - our today's hero became a full member of the local troupe.

THEATER

After returning from the army, Andrei continued to work at Lenkom. Over the years of work in the famous troupe, the actor played in many theater performances, including “Till”, “Mystification”, “Two Women”, “Dictatorship of Conscience”, “Crazy Day, or The Marriage of Figaro”, “Funeral Prayer”, “Hamlet” , Tartuffe, and many others.

Today the actor is involved in several productions. Among his works, Leonov himself especially highlights the role of Cheswick in the play “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (I love this play very much and I think that I pulled out a lucky lottery ticket when I met Morfov. It’s very difficult to find your own in life. It was very easy for me with him: "I never suffered or looked for questions to which it was impossible to find answers - everything turned out simply. The main thing in this performance is to find the right relationship with my colleagues."

Biography of Andrey Leonov

Andrei Leonov is a wonderful Russian actor, who is an excellent successor to the work of his father, the great Soviet artist Yevgeny Leonov. In the biography of our today's hero there are many wonderful roles. He played in films and theater, but gained the greatest fame thanks to the television series “Daddy's Daughters.” This project made the actor a real star. This is why today we decided to make Andrei Leonov the main character of our biographical article.

MOVIE

Leonov’s film debut took place in 1972 in the drama “Racers,” where the young man played with his father. A few years later, Andrei played the role of a hunter’s apprentice in Mark Zakharov’s film “An Ordinary Miracle.” “At that moment everything seemed so easy to me that one day, when it came to filming, I was so squeezed that I couldn’t even sit organically in the frame. Andrei Mironov and dad asked me to relax, but this made me tense even more. It was terrible! I was afraid that all my life I would be in such a state when there is no joy from acting, when it is a terrible torment,” Andrei Leonov recalls about his work in the film.

The artist starred in the films “Women’s Logic”, “On the Corner of the Patriarchs-2”, “Yesenin”, “Carom”, “One Love in a Million”, “Plus Infinity”, and many others. A real acting success was the series “Daddy's Daughters,” in which Leonov played the role of psychotherapist Sergei Vasnetsov, raising five children alone. After this work, the actor received nationwide love; he literally woke up famous overnight.

Today Andrei Leonov is in demand in cinema; several premieres with his participation are released every year. Among his recent works are roles in the films “Village Romance”, “The Green Carriage”, “Lyudmila Gurchenko”, “The Other Side of the Moon-2”, “Margarita Nazarova”.

In 2020, the premiere of the mini-series “Love as a Natural Disaster” took place, in which Andrei Leonov played one of the central roles. The film also stars Artem Tkachenko, Ksenia Lavrova-Glinka, Alexander Ratnikov, and other actors.

Movies

Andrei Leonov finally chose his profession after his film debut. At the age of 13, he starred in an episode in the film “Racers,” in which his father also participated.

Andrei Leonov in the film "Racers"

After that, he purposefully decided to continue the dynasty, while simultaneously trying himself in new roles. In the mid-70s, Leonov Jr. starred in several issues of the television magazine Yeralash.

In 1976, Andrei Leonov was enrolled in the Shchukin Theater School (Kazanskaya course). Wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps, he often came to Lenkom. Watching the brilliant performance of Evgeny Leonov, he gradually honed his skills, involuntarily repeating memorable acting models.

Most of all, Andrei liked two productions - “Not on the lists” and “The Legend of Tila”. The teenager imagined himself on stage and dreamed that someday he would be able to play on equal terms with talented artists. Soon his wish came true.

Andrei Leonov in the film “An Ordinary Miracle”

In 1978, the Leonovs appeared in the popular television film “An Ordinary Miracle.” Andrey played the role of a hunter's apprentice. However, he managed not to get lost among the whole scattering of stars of Soviet cinema and worthily show his opportunities for creative growth to recognized theater masters.

Within a few months, the budding artist was invited to audition for the famous Lenkom. After receiving his theater education in 1979, he became an equal member of the renowned troupe.

Unlike many famous children, Andrei Leonov gave his debt to his homeland and served two years in the army. This decision caused considerable surprise among the family; everyone tried to dissuade him, including his father. But even though the young man grew up in “greenhouse” conditions, he never regretted his decision.

Andrey Leonov in the army

According to the actor, the army strengthened him, made him strong and independent. After demobilization, he returned to his native theater and never left it.

On the stage, which he so dreamed of in his childhood, Andrei Leonov performed a large number of roles in the plays “Hamlet”, “A Lady’s Visit”, “Two Women”, “Til”, “Royal Games”, “Tartuffe”.

In the 80-90s, the actor almost did not act in films. The filmography of this period includes only four supporting roles, which are considered rather exceptions. In Vladimir Basov’s family saga “Time and the Conway Family,” Andrei played one of the leading characters, Alain, in his youth, whom Evgeniy Leonov also played. Representatives of famous acting dynasties appeared in the film: Oleg Tabakov and Anton Tabakov, Irina Skobtseva and Alena Bondarchuk, Marianna Strizhenova and Natalya Strizhenova.

Andrei Leonov in the film “Time and the Conway Family”

In 1990, Andrei starred in the then popular fantasy film “Dungeon of the Witches” directed by Yuri Moroz, where he played a cameo role as a pilot. The film about the mysterious planet Evur and its inhabitants gathered a galaxy of screen stars. Sergei Zhigunov, Marina Levtova, Nikolai Karachentsov, Dmitry Pevtsov, Igor Yasulovich, Zhanna Prokhorenko starred here.

After the death of Evgeniy Leonov in 1994, his son became one of the leading Lenkom actors, as well as a living continuation of the foundations of the theater. He did not lack honor and respect from the audience, so for more than twenty years he practically did not leave the theater stage and was able to earn a name in the profession. His merits were appreciated. In 1997 he became an Honored Artist of Russia.

Andrei Leonov and Alisa Freindlikh in the series “Women’s Logic”

The 2000s became the era of return to the film world for the actor’s creative biography. He starred in several popular television series. In the film "Women's Logic", where the main role was played by Alisa Freindlich, he played an investigator.

In 2005, viewers saw the actor in a more significant role of Alexander Sakharov in the biographical production “Yesenin”. In 2007, the actor appeared in the youth film “One Love in a Million,” where he played the hero Volobuev. Three years later, Andrei Leonov received the main role of Kolya in the comedy “Marrying a Millionaire!” Leonov’s character suffers all his life from maternal overprotection, so he remains an inveterate bachelor, although he continues to love the girl with whom he broke up 16 years ago. Together with Andrei Leonov, Lydia Fedoseeva-Shukshina and Alla Yuganova shone on the screen.

Andrei Leonov in the series “Daddy's Daughters”

In addition to television series, he starred in commercials and hosted the program “No Diseases” on the “Capital” TV channel. But the real popular recognition of the actor was still ahead.

Unlike his early-famous parent, Andrei Leonov waited almost 30 years for his true triumph. He became a real “star” only in 2007 after playing the role of father of many children, Sergei Vasnetsov, in the television series “Daddy’s Daughters.” The project became super popular in Russia almost overnight.

The beloved series brought Andrei Leonov a nomination for the TEFI-2008 award and the Ukrainian TV Star award. However, despite international recognition, in 2008 the actor announced that he was leaving the project. The reason was heavy workload, as filming was carried out at an accelerated pace, which could not but affect the quality of the material.

Andrei Leonov and Nonna Grishaeva in the TV series “Daddy’s Daughters”

In 2010, the producer was lucky enough to convince the actor to continue filming in the 14th season, which was announced as the last. But the love of television viewers for the heroes of the extraordinary production caused a storm of responses with desires to see a continuation. In 2012, the long-awaited project “Daddy's Daughters. Superbrides."

Thanks to “Daddy’s Daughters,” his partner in the series, Nonna Grishaeva, also became a popular actress.

Andrey Leonov's height is 166 cm and his weight is 85 kg. At the height of his fame, the sought-after actor starred in more than a dozen TV series. In the biographical film "Lyudmila Gurchenko" Leonov played Igor Ilyinsky, in the science fiction comedy "The Other Side of the Moon 2" - an employee of a public group. In 2020, with the participation of the actor, a drama about the life of the tiger tamer “Margarita Nazarova” was released. Andrey got the role of an actor, whose prototype was chosen by Evgeny Leonov.

INTERVIEW

About father

“As a child, he was just a dad to me. The understanding that he was a great actor came much later, when I came to play in the theater. And then my idols were Viktor Proskurin, Nikolai Karachentsov and others. I saw Proskurin in the play “Not on the Lists” and “The Thief,” and Nikolai Petrovich in the brilliant play “Til.” These performances seemed fantastic to me. So dad, as an actor, was a little on the sidelines for me.”

About family upbringing

“First of all, there must be love in a family. Nothing will work without her. And also a respectful attitude towards each family member, no matter whether he is seventy, forty years old or four months old. After all, what makes a family a family? When all its members look in the same direction. From childhood, a child should see a model of the relationship between dad and mom, then it will be easier for him to create a family where everything will also be built on love and respect.”

About television

“In fact, films and series that are broadcast on television are not always negative. Another question is that all kinds of “shooters” destroy the psyche, especially children’s. Therefore, in order for television not to be harmful, the state must monitor what is shown on screens. And don’t delegate this role to private companies that benefit from showing violent movies, scandalous talk shows with “stars,” and sometimes something much worse.”

Based on materials from the sites kino-teatr.ru, izvestia.ru, rg.ru, vokrug.tv, uznayvse.ru, eg.ru, ampravda.ru, nashgorod.ru, kp.by, foma.ru, segodnya.ua

Television and series

The beginning of the 2000s was marked for Andrei with several roles in multi-part projects. On television he appeared in the role of Alexander Sakharov (biographical film “Yesenin”, the character was a colleague and ally of the famous poet).

The most famous and beloved role of the father of many children was found by Leonov in 2007. It was then that the producers invited the actor to act as a psychotherapist for Sergei Vasnetsov. The project instantly became popular; the 19th season was released a few years ago.

The popularity of the sitcom is explained by many by its incredible “vitality”, because it presents typical difficult situations, and then finds a way out. All this is presented in a kind and comedic manner, so the series has become interesting to adults as well.

For this role, the artist received several awards and universal recognition. The STS channel captured the actor for a long time. After “Daddy’s Daughters,” he starred in the modern version of the fairy tale “Twelve Months,” the film “My Boyfriend is an Angel,” and others.

FILMOGRAPHY: ACTOR

• Vasilisa (2016), TV series
• Blind Date (2016) (in production), TV series
• Rating (2016) (in production)
• Love is like a natural disaster (2016)
• Margarita Nazarova (2016), TV series
• The Far Side of the Moon-2 (2015), TV series
• Lyudmila Gurchenko (2015), TV series
• Green Carriage (2015)
• 12 months. New fairy tale (2014)
• Rating (2014)
• Father's daughters. Superbrides (2012-2013), TV series
• My Boyfriend is an Angel (2011)
• Truckers-3 (2011), TV series
• Marrying a Millionaire (2010)
• It's okay, mom! (2010)
• This Evening the Angels Wept (2008)
• Daddy's Daughters (2007-2011), TV series
• One Love in a Million (2007)
• Ivan-Podushkin. Gentleman of Detective-2 (2007), TV series
• Scammers (2007)
• Hijacking (2006), TV series
• Telokhronitel-1 (2006), TV series
• Paparatsa (2006)
• Carom (2006), TV series
• Plus infinity (2005-2006), TV series
• Royal Games (2005)
• Yesenin (2005), TV series
• Hope is the last to leave (2004), TV series
• Two Women (2004)
• Wealth (2004), TV series
• Detectives-2 (2003), TV series
• On the corner of the Patriarchs-2 (2001), TV series
• Women's Logic-1 (2001), TV series
• Funeral Prayer (1993)
• Shadows (1991)
• The one where we were... (1990)
• Dungeon of the Witches (1990)
• Dictatorship of Conscience (1988)
• Dear Pamella (1985)
• Time and the Conway Family (1984)
• Blizzard (1983)
• Stay with you (1981)
• An Ordinary Miracle (1978)
• Racers (1972)

Early years, childhood and family of Andrei Leonov

Andrei Evgenievich Leonov was born on June 15, 1959 in Moscow. His parents were directly connected with the world of Soviet art. My mother worked in the literary department of the Lenkom Theater, and my father, as noted above, was a famous actor. That is why our today’s hero had the opportunity to appear on the set for the first time in early childhood. Andrei came with his father to the shooting and, at that very moment, the magic of cinema made such a huge impression on him that later he began to often visit “his father at work.”

Andrei Leonov as a child with his father Evgeniy Leonov

Having matured a little, the young guy decided to try himself as an actor. At first he began performing in school plays, as well as in productions of an extracurricular amateur acting group. However, already in 1972 he also managed to break into the world of cinema, playing a small role as the son of the main character in the drama “Racers”. This role allowed him to finally decide on the choice of his future profession. Already in high school, Andrei began to prepare for entering a university, and at the same time play new roles.