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Leonid Kuravlev is a famous Soviet-Russian film actor who gave audiences Afonya and many other characters beloved by the people. Finding himself in the profession by accident, he built a brilliant career, but his family always came first in the actor’s life. Kuravlev lived in his only marriage with his beloved woman for 52 years until her death.
Leonid Kuravlev. Photo wikipedia.org
Leonid was born on October 8, 1936 on the working outskirts of Moscow in the family of an aircraft factory mechanic, Vyacheslav Yakovlevich.
and hairdresser
Valentina Dmitrievna Kuravlevykh
. At the beginning of the war, the mother was arrested under the notorious Article 58 (counter-revolutionary activities) and exiled to Karaganda. There she worked for 5 years at a metallurgical plant.
During these years, the boy lived with his mother’s sister, Nadezhda (later talking about his childhood, Leonid Vyacheslavovich never mentioned why he did not stay with his father). Then, when Valentina Dmitrievna was sent to the Kola Peninsula to the village of Zasheyek, she was able to take her son to her. Lenya spent about a year with her, and then his mother sent him back to Moscow. Soon the authorities allowed her to return to the capital and the family was finally reunited.
Leonid Kuravlev with his parents. Photo uznayvse.ru
Leonid is one of the few actors who got into the profession by accident. The fact is that during his school years he was never good at exact sciences. Realizing that without knowledge of mathematics and physics he would not be able to enter a regular university, the young man listened to the advice of his cousin and submitted documents to VGIK
.
His first attempt failed, but one of the members of the selection committee advised Kuravlev not to give up. Until the next exams, Leonid worked at a Christmas tree decorations factory and at an optics manufacturing plant.
The second attempt was successful: in 1955 he was admitted to the acting department of VGIK in the workshop of Boris Bibikov
. At first, Kuravlev’s studies were difficult. In the second year, Bibikov wanted to expel the too “squeezed” student, but then decided to give him another chance (thanks to him for this on behalf of all the TV viewers - what an actor we could have lost!). In 1960, Leonid successfully graduated from VGIK.
Biography of Leonid Kuravlev
Leonid Kuravlev was born on October 8, 1936. His parents were simple people: his father Vyacheslav Yakovlevich Kuravlev worked as a mechanic at an aircraft factory, and his mother Valentina Dmitrievna Kuravleva earned money as a hairdresser. The main part of caring for the son was entrusted to the woman. My father spent a lot of time at work. Lenya was a fairly domestic and obedient boy. He didn't play around, listened to his parents, and was considered quiet in some ways. The family idyll did not last long.
In 1941, Leonid’s mother, Valentina, was unfairly slandered and driven into exile. The woman was sent to a labor camp in the north, in the village of Zasheyek, Murmansk region. Mom's sister, Aunt Nadya, and her husband, Uncle Kolya, took care of little Lena. The boy spent most of his time with them until his mother was released. Lenya was very homesick for his mother. At the age of 10, he went to his mother on the peninsula. As an adult, Kuravlev will remember these years with special tenderness.
Kuravlev with his parents
After Valentina returns, the family will move to Moscow. In the Izmailovo area, where the Kuravlev family would live, there were a lot of punks wandering around. However, Leonid, being a calm and obedient boy, will not get involved with them in the same company.
The actor's childhood and adolescence
Leonid was born into an ordinary family: the mother of the future cinema star worked as a hairdresser, and his father worked at a factory as a mechanic. The family lived in Moscow, but after my mother was falsely accused of counter-revolutionary activities, she was deported to the Murmansk region. After some time, Leonid also went to his mother. Only a few years later they were allowed to return to the capital.
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At school, the future famous actor did not study well: exact sciences were difficult for him. Once, as a joke, a cousin told Leonid that he should go to a theater institute, which did not require mathematics and physics. The young man took this joke seriously.
After graduating from school, Leonid submitted documents to VGIK. He failed the exam, but tried again two years later, and this time he was successful. Studying at the theater institute was also not easy for Kuravlev. He was so constrained due to his natural modesty that the course director was just about to expel him due to his professional incompetence. Leonid managed to convince his mentor to give him another chance.
Personal life and women of Leonid Kuravlev
At the age of 16, Leonid unexpectedly fell in love. A bright and enthusiastic feeling awoke in the young man during a walk at the city skating rink. He looked in fascination at the pretty girl who skated smoothly and confidently past him. Since then, not a single representative of the fair sex could evoke such a deep and warm feeling in Lenya. He spent the whole evening watching the beautiful speed skater, keeping track of where she lived and studied. The beautiful stranger turned out to be seventh grade student Ninochka Antonova. For a year, the boy looked closely at the girl and secretly watched her, but one fine day Lenya plucked up courage and invited Nina to take a walk together. Since then, a tender and strong friendship began between them, smoothly flowing into a love affair.
In his entire life, Kuravlev had never met a girl like his Nina. Nina has always been a very serious and self-sufficient person, and at the same time a friendly and sympathetic girl. She admired Lenya, supported him and never tormented him with jealousy and suspicion, even when the inconspicuous boy turned into a famous film actor, whom many women fancied.
Nina Antonova
Height, weight, age. How old is Leonid Kuravlev
The actor’s enormous talent and fame throughout the country arouses great interest and many questions from his fans. For example, many connoisseurs of cinema and, in particular, Kuravlev’s work want to know his height, weight, age. How old is Leonid Kuravlev? This is also a fairly common question.
Today the man is already 81 years old. With a height of 174 centimeters, he weighs 80 kilograms. The actor began acting back in 1959, so it is not surprising that fans are already beginning to doubt a little whether Leonid Kuravlev is alive or not. But there is no reason to worry. The actor is alive and even continues his career little by little.
First steps into the world of art
Leonid graduated from school and tried to enter VGIK on the advice of his sister. The first attempt failed. Lenya was not upset and got a job. He worked hard at a soft toy factory and harbored thoughts about a creative future. Two years later, he still managed to enroll in the first year of Boris Vladimirovich Bibikov. Studying was not easy for Leonid.
By nature, he was quite constrained and closed, and these qualities prevent him from showing his acting talents.
He seemed such an unpromising student that Boris Vladimirovich seriously thought about expelling him. However, in his third year, Kuravlev seemed to have grown wings. He gradually loosened up and began to show good hopes. The boy showed himself excellently in an excerpt from Kataev’s play “Squaring the Circle.”
The comedy genre of the work was an excellent success for Leonid.
Everyone in the hall laughed and applauded with admiration, and Boris Bibikov even praised Kuravlev, saying that even Boris Livanov did not play such a superb character on the stage. Kuravlev was very pleased with this compliment and with a calm soul continued his studies, developing his acting talent.
Young Kuravlev
First film work
Leonid got his first film role when he was still a student. Vasily Shukshin invited the young boy to take part in his thesis “They report from Lebyazhye.” Kuravlev played combine operator Senya Gromov with a stutter, who needed to get spare parts for transport. The role was a great success for the student. At the same time, Kuravlev was invited to film the film “Midshipman Panin”. In the historian - revolutionary cinema, Leonid played the sailor Kamushkin.
Sailor Kamushkin
Vasily Shukshin liked Kuravlev’s work and he will give Leonid a lucky ticket - the role of the main character in the film “There Lives Such a Guy.”
2There lives a guy like this"
This film is to this day the most beloved in Kuravlev’s filmography, and fateful for his career. The whole country learned about the young actor, and women appreciated not only Leonid’s acting abilities, but also his external data. Ladies began to look at Leonid, but the faithful and loving “Romeo” showed no one except his beloved girl Nina. The couple continued their romantic relationship. When Lena turned 24 and Nina turned 21, they happily got married.
Khoma Brut
In 1967, the first horror film “Viy” appeared on the screens of the USSR. Its appearance became a sensation even for foreign countries. US newspapers wrote that the first “horror film” was filmed in the Soviet Union. The film, based on the story by Nikolai Gogol, really impresses even the modern generation. The perfectly selected cast included such wonderful actors as Natalya Varley, Nikolai Kutuzov, Vadim Zakharchenko.
The main role of student Khoma went to Leonid Kuravlev. And he coped with the task excellently. Both Natalya Varley, who played the witch lady, and Khoma, who was scared to death, were able to convey with dignity the tense and frightening plot of the story to viewers.
From the very beginning, not only Kuravlev, but also Vyacheslav Nevinny was invited to play the role of Khoma, but the director approved of Leonid. For most actors, the first horror film evoked unpleasant associations. Despite the enormous success of the film, the acting troupe complained that participation in “Viya” brought them nothing but misfortune.
Khoma Brut
Kuravlev’s attitude to “Viy”
And, Leonid Kuravlev got a lot of pleasure from filming Gogol’s film. He eagerly reread his scenes and dialogues, and was proud to be participating in the embodiment of the story of such a wonderful writer as Nikolai Gogol. Leonid liked everything: the selection of colleagues, the gloomy atmosphere. In one of the episodes, an unpleasant incident happened to Natalya Varleya. They filmed a scene in which the “dead lady” flies in a coffin under the dome of the church. Suddenly the coffin spun, and Natalya Varley flew down...
A fall from a three-meter height could have ended in failure if Leonid Kuravlev had not caught her at that moment. Even so, Khoma saw a glimmer of good fortune. He is the only actor who did not suffer either morally or physically after participating in the “devilish” film.
Filming "Viya"
Afonya Borshchev
For the role of the mediocrity and egoist Afanasy Borshchev in the film “Afonya”, three candidates were considered: Vladimir Vysotsky, Daniil Olbrykhsky and Leonid Kuravlev. After some thought, the director settled on Lena and was not mistaken. The passive alcoholic Borshchev, played by Kuravlev, appeared to the audience as a somewhat touching and charming guy.
The film was a great success, and some phrases from their footage still wander among Russian citizens: “Afonya, you owe me a lot!”, “Make yourself at home, but don’t forget that you are a guest!”
Afanasy Borshchev
Georges Miloslavsky
One of the brightest and audience-favorite roles in which Leonid Kuravlev starred is Georges Miloslavsky, a thief and swindler from the film “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession.”
Fate could have decided otherwise and instead of Kuravlev, the character would have been represented by an equally charming and bright actor like Andrei Mironov.
But, unfortunately, Mironov’s relationship with the “tsar” and the “house manager” of the film, Yuri Yakovlev, did not work out. And Kuravlev fit into Miloslavsky’s place organically. Now it is difficult to imagine this kind and funny comedy with other performers.
“Ivan Vasilyevich is changing his profession”
How did Leonid Kuravlev’s film career develop?
In his last year of study, he made his film debut in the small role of fireman Kamushkin.
in the war film directed by
Mikhail Shveitser “Michman Panin”
(1960).
At the same time, another graduate of the directing department of VGIK, Vasily Shukshin
.
He recruited actors for his graduation film “They report from Lebyazhye”
.
Shukshina’s assistant recommended that he invite Kuravlev, whom she noticed in “Midshipman Panin,” to audition for. Leonid Kuravlev.
“Midshipman Panin” 1960. The director appreciated the talent of the young actor and approved Senya Gromov
.
Contrary to popular belief, they were not friends during their student years - they didn’t even know each other before meeting at the audition. The friendship between Shukshin and Kuravlev began on the set of their first joint film. Leonid Kuravlev.
“They report from Lebyazhye” 1960. A few years later, Vasily Makarovich will offer Leonid the main role of the driver Pashka Kolokolnikov
in his film story
“There Lives a Guy Like This
.
The film, released in 1964, was a huge success and made Kuravlev famous throughout the country (and the actor himself still considers this work the best in his filmography). Leonid Kuravlev.
“There Lives a Guy Like This,” 1964. With Shukshin’s light hand, Leonid’s film career took off. He becomes one of the most sought-after actors in Russian cinema. It is impossible to list all the films with Kuravlev’s participation - there are more than two hundred of them. Let's remember the most striking of his works. In the late 60s these were the roles of Shura Balaganov
in the adventure comedy
“The Golden Calf”
(where the other main role of
Ostap Bender
was played by
Sergei Yursky
) and
Khoma Brut
in the first Soviet horror film
“Viy”
(by the way, on the set Leonid literally saved the life of
Natalya Varley
, who played the lady: he caught her in his arms, when the actress fell from a flying coffin at a height of three meters from the floor).
Leonid Kuravlev.
“Golden Calf” 1968 Leonid Kuravlev and Natalya Varley. “Viy” 1967. In the 70s, Kuravlev played many wonderful roles: Robinson
in the adventure film
by Stanislav Govorukhin “The Life and Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe”
,
Georges Miloslavsky
by
Leonid Gaidai
in the comedy
“Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession”
(the most stellar actors of that time were involved in this film -
Yuri Yakovlev
,
Alexander Demyanenko
,
Natalya Selezneva
,
Natalya Kustinskaya
,
Natalya Krachkovskaya
, etc.).
Leonid Kuravlev.
“The Life and Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe” 1972 Leonid Kuravlev and Yuri Yakovlev. “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession” 1973. But the comedy “Afonya” by Georgy Daneliya
.
Afanasy Borshchov,
unburdened by moral principles, delighted the Soviet audience.
Not everyone knows that initially the film had a completely different ending planned: nurse Katya ( Evgenia Simonova
), seduced by Borschov, was supposed to commit suicide.
Fortunately, the director realized that in this case Afonya would look like a monster and changed the script. Leonid Kuravlev and Evgenia Simonova.
“Afonya” 1975. Then there was the groom Vladimir Zavitushkin
in the short story based on Zoshchenko’s stories
“It can’t be!”
Kashkin
twin brothers in the satirical comedy
“You are for me, I am for you
,
Volodya
in the melodrama
“Vanity of Vanities”
(the main roles here were played by
Galina Polskikh
and
Frunzik Mkrtchyan
) and many, many others.
Leonid Kuravlev and Savely Kramarov. “It can’t be” 1975 Leonid Kuravlev, Galina Polskikh and Natalya Krachkovskaya. “Vanity of Vanities” 1979
Kuravlev's best roles
Leonid Kuravlev starred in more than 200 films. He played a wide variety of roles. The most popular of them: “Seventeen Moments of Spring” (Obersturmbannführer Eismann); "Can't be!" (Volodya Zavitushkin); “The most charming and attractive” (womanizer Misha Dyatlov); “Timur and his team” (Timur’s uncle, Georgy Garaev) and many, many others. Wikipedia has a complete list of the actor’s filmography.
Kuravlev as Gorbachev
Son of Leonid Kuravlev - Vasily Kuravlev
Leonid Kuravlev's son Vasily Kuravlev is the youngest, late, but desired child in a famous family. When he was born, his older sister was already 15. As a child, the boy wanted to become a famous athlete - to play tennis.
His father supported him in this desire in every possible way and provided him with everything he needed. But in the end, Vasily went to the capital's Automobile and Highway Technical University and was even able to obtain a PhD in economics. Today he is already over 50, he works as a teacher at Peoples' Friendship University, and he already has his own family and child.
Leonid Kuravlev and Tamara Semina
In the film “Fatherless” Leonid Kuravlev played the new husband of a negligent mother played by Tamara Semina. It is worth noting that Tamara Semina was liked by many men and co-stars. Evil tongues started talking about the love affair between Kuravlev and Semina, but the gossip had no basis. Tamara, like Leonid, were devoted to their rightful soul mates. All her life, from her student days, Semina loved only her husband, Vladimir Prokofiev. Tamara and Leonid worked as a couple, only in a duet when performing the song “How to Pull Yourself Together.”
Semina and Kuravlev
Leonid Kuravlev: I write stories, but I don’t talk to editors
Journalists are well aware that Kuravlev never gives interviews. I dialed the number for luck. — Leonid Vyacheslavovich, can I ask you a few questions? - Of course not! I don’t give interviews and I don’t intend to “split.” This is the principle! Recently, journalists have lied so much about me that I stopped reading this nonsense altogether. On the eve of my sixty-fifth birthday, some kind of half-anniversary, I refused interviews to a good three dozen journalists. I am in demand and believe that I express myself through my profession. And I don't need fame. Although, apparently, I already gave you a short interview. The fact is that I am very sad today - on this day Vasily Shukshin, whom I love very much, passed away (the call was made on October 2 - Ed.). We still couldn’t help but congratulate our favorite actor in the newspaper, and since we couldn’t get an interview, I simply prepared an article about Leonid Vyacheslavovich. Then I called Kuravlev to read the text to him and find out if I had lied to him. And at the same time I asked a few more questions... - Why did you stop hosting the program “The World of Books with Leonid Kuravlev” on television? “I hosted it for two years, and a year ago it was taken off the air.” Now she has appeared again, but with different presenters. I didn't bother to find out what happened. — I really liked your “Zoshchenko” stories, which you occasionally publish in the press. When will the collection be released? - I have no idea. I write stories for myself and do not negotiate with editors. Moreover, I’ve been writing for a long time, and I still don’t have enough for a book. By the way, I am now finishing a story that I would like to dedicate to Vasily Makarovich Shukshin (if his widow Lidiya Fedoseeva-Shukshina gives the go-ahead). The story is long, but if Komsomolskaya Pravda publishes it, I will be glad. — You were lucky enough to work with Shukshin, Schweitzer, Gaidai, Lioznova, Mitta, Govorukhin, Panfilov, Kulidzhanov, Todorovsky... These are only directors, and listing the actors is completely pointless. Are you planning to write your memoirs? — I don’t have such plans yet, although, believe me, I can remember a lot of interesting things. — What films have you starred in recently? — He played Prince Dobrynya in Bulat Mansurov’s film “Warm Winds of the Ancient Bulgars.” In Natalia Rudina's TV movie "Silver Wedding" he played a famous writer (by the way, it was promised to be shown in October on the Ren TB channel). He also starred in the TV series “Brigada” (in the role of a respectable general) and “Mamuka”. Are you by any chance interviewing me? He once wanted to escape from the image of a simpleton. At the Russian State Art Library, where newspaper articles about cultural figures are filed, the librarian brought me a thin folder with an apology: “We have nothing else. The artist does not spoil journalists.” It turned out that most of the interviews were recorded at Kuravlev’s creative meetings in Nalchik, Syktyvkar, Tbilisi, Bryansk... We hope that the most interesting moments will be of interest to Komsomolskaya Pravda readers. Moreover, Kuravlev corrected factual errors and even supplemented the materials somewhat. Vladimir Menshov is sure that the car and I are incompatible. Everyone always thought that I was from the provinces, although I was born in Moscow. Once Vladimir Menshov asked: “Do you have a car?” “Yes,” I say, “for fifteen years already.” “It’s strange,” Menshov shrugged, “Kuravlev and the car... somehow don’t fit together.” People perceive me as a kind of Ivanushka the Fool. And this comes from the roles of Pasha Kolokolnikov in the film “There Lives Such a Guy” and Shura Balaganov in “The Golden Calf.” Although I really like to read, all my leisure time is occupied with this... I went to VGIK in order not to take mathematics, chemistry and physics. I got into cinema quite by accident. Neither my parents nor my relatives had anything to do with art. When I graduated from ten classes, my sister, who was a little older than me, advised: “Go to VGIK, you don’t have to take exact sciences there.” I came, I saw and... I didn’t act. The competition was over a hundred people per place, and I had never participated in school amateur performances. Although I reached the third round. Then he went to work at a factory that produced lenses for film equipment and Christmas tree decorations. And on the second try it was already accepted. I studied with Professor Boris Vladimirovich Bibikov, who trained such stars as Tikhonov, Mordyukova, Nifontova, Lebedev, Chiaureli... I got into cinema thanks to the “courtship” of Sofiko Chiaureli. When I was in my fourth year, Sofya Abramovna Milkina (co-director of Mikhail) came to the vocal exam Schweitzer). That day I portrayed the clumsy boyfriend of my classmate Sofiko Chiaureli. Milkina and recommended me to Schweitzer for the role of sailor Kamushkin in the film “Midshipman Panin”. I think if she had gone into another classroom, into another lesson, she would probably have noticed a different student. And so Schweitzer became my “cinematic father”, and I starred in six films with the great director. Everything in our life is decided by chance... And my debut was with Tarkovsky... Film critics still write that Midshipman Panin was my first film. And this is not at all true. For the first time I was invited to the set by Andrei Tarkovsky, who was filming his course work “Today there will be no layoffs” together with Alexander Gordon. I played a soldier who, together with his comrades, neutralized the mines left by the Nazis in Kursk. By the way, it’s me who says the phrase that gives the film its title. Recently the film was shown on television, and I really regret that I couldn’t watch it and didn’t ask anyone to record it... Shukshin stood up for me before Gerasimov VGIK and Shukshin, we both graduated in 1960. I studied acting, and he studied directing. Vasily Makarovich invited me to play in his diploma work “They report from Lebyazhye” (it was first shown in the Moscow cinema “Illusion” only after the death of the director). I only played in three films by Shukshin (“They report from Lebyazhye”, “There lives such a guy” and “Your son and brother”), but today I can admit that he invited me to all his films. In “Strange People” - for the role of Chudik (played by Sergei Nikonenko), in “Kalina Krasnaya” - for the role of a waiter (brilliantly played by Lev Durov), and in “Stoves-Benches” I was supposed to play the main role. Unfortunately, at that moment I had already agreed to play in the film “Seventeen Moments of Spring” and delayed as much as I could with the answer. Finally we met, and I tried to explain to Shukshin that the character of the hero of “Stoves and Shops” is very close to the character of Pasha Kolokolnikov, and at that moment I was trying to escape from my simpletons. Four days later the decisive explanation took place, and I jokingly said: “Vasya, who will play this role better than you?..” And so it turned out that it was not me who played in “Stoves and Benches.” And my best role, in my opinion, was in the film “There Lives a Guy Like This.” Surprisingly, after the screen tests, the artistic council of the Gorky Film Studio, headed by Sergei Gerasimov, did not praise us at all. The verdict was: “Very sluggish, weak and uninteresting.” After the discussion, Sergei Apollinarievich asked: “Vasily, do you believe this actor?” Shukshin, without hesitation, answered: “I believe!” “Well then, take it off,” said Gerasimov. “Just keep in mind that we will judge you as a director based on your first film.” Leonid Kuravlev has played more than 200 roles in films, but he honestly admits: “I acted and continue to act a lot, and at the same time I have very little, negligible success.” " SEVEN BEST FILMS WITH LEONID KURAVLEV “There Lives Such a Guy”, “Afonya”, “The Life and Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe”, “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession”, “The Beginning”, “You for Me, I for You”, “The Golden Calf” »
Children of Leonid Kuravlev
Despite the fact that many women dreamed of Leonid, the man always remained faithful to his wife Nina Vasilievna, with whom he lived for about 60 years.
Nina always supported her husband and never made him jealous, watching his romantic actions on the TV screen.
Nina Vasilievna worked as an English teacher and gradually rose to the position of director.
Kuravlev family
Daughter of Leonid Kuravlev - Ekaterina
A daughter, Katenka, was born into the family. From an early age, the girl dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps. She dreamed of becoming as popular an artist as her beloved daddy. Ekaterina grew up and entered VGIK. TV viewers could watch her acting in the film “the most charming and attractive.” It was she who played Nadya Klyueva’s roommate, who met the trainers, and persuaded her new friend to go on a visit “for dates.”
Katya Kuravleva
The girl played well in films. She has about 5 roles to her credit. Soon Catherine realized that the world of cinema was not her real goal. The girl abandoned cinema and entered medical school. At the moment, Ekaterina Kuravleva works as a wonderful psychotherapist who helps her patients by practicing unconventional methods of treatment.
Son of Lkeonid Kuravlev - Vasily
When the eldest daughter turned 15 years old, the Kuravlev family was replenished with another family member. Leonid and Nina had a son, who was named Vasily, in honor of Shukshin. From an early age Vasily had no desire for acting. He was not at all interested in television. The boy dreamed of sports and wanted to become a professional tennis player. The father supported his son's aspirations. But, as an adult, Vasily became an economist and forgot his dreams of big-time sports. He also went bald early, like his father, which made him look very much like him.
Vasya Kuravlev
Kuravlev has always been an excellent family man and role model. He never yelled at children. All he had to do was cast a stern look at the child, and he immediately understood his mistake and tried to correct it. Leonid did all the household chores himself: he did an excellent job of repairing wiring, furniture and plumbing.
Personal life
Leonid Vyacheslavovich always diligently guarded this part of his existence: he did not hang out with colleagues after filming, did not invite people to visit him, and did not go himself. He protected the only woman in his life, his wife Nina, from gossip and rumors.
In his distant youth, at the age of 16, he saw a funny 13-year-old girl at the skating rink and gave her his heart forever. Their love survived Leonid’s studies at VGIK, and in 1960 they got married. Two years later, daughter Katya was born.
The wife always supported her husband and believed in his inevitable success. She became an English teacher at school, later rising to the rank of principal. In 1978, when Katya, following the example of her father, was going to become an actress, a boy appeared in the family, named Vasily in honor of Shukshin.
The couple lived in perfect harmony for 52 years by the time Nina Vasilievna died during surgery. Having buried her at the Troyekurovsky cemetery, Leonid Vyacheslavovich also stamped his name on the tombstone, leaving space for the date of death.
Catherine never became an actress. After starring in 6 films, in the early 90s she retrained as a psychologist. She was married, but unsuccessfully and without children.
Son Vasily is successful: an economist, teaches at RUDN University, married and has 3 children. Grandsons Styopa, Fedya and Grisha are the main positive in the grandfather’s life.
Sadness in the Kuravlev family
Peace, love and understanding have always reigned in the Kuravlev family. Leonid enjoyed spending time with his family. The actor tried to spend every free minute with dear people, preferring home leisure to acting parties and public events.
In 2010, Leonid and Nina celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Their marriage can truly be called not just successful, but also happy.
Kuravlev with his wife
And, two years later, after the Golden Wedding, grief came to the Kuravlev family: Nina Vasilievna died. Recently her health has deteriorated greatly. The woman on her feet suffered two heart attacks. An urgent operation was required, but its outcome was sad. It was not possible to save Nina Vasilievna.
April 5, 2012 became the darkest day in Leonid’s life.
Without my beloved wife, the world ceased to make sense.
His wife was buried at the Troekurovskoye cemetery in Moscow. Every day he came to the cemetery, mourning his soulmate. At Kuravlev’s request, the name Leonid Kuravlev was engraved on his wife’s tombstone, next to the date of birth and death. Even after death, Leonid does not want to be separated from his Ninochka, and takes comfort in the fact that he will be buried with his “dove.”
Kuravlev now
Leonid Kuravlev: lifelong love
Unlike most of his colleagues, Kuravlev had only one wife. The actor was not seen in “on the side” novels. He met his future wife at the skating rink when he was 16, and his chosen one Nina
- 13 years old. They got married immediately after Kuravlev graduated from VGIK. Nina studied at the Pedagogical Institute and worked at school all her life - first as an English teacher, and then as a head teacher.
Their marriage produced two children: daughter Ekaterina,
and 16 years later - son
Vasily
, whom Leonid named after Shukshin.
The real Kuravlev has nothing in common with his on-screen hero - a simple-minded and talkative guy. He is a modest, serious and man of few words. Leonid and Nina Kuravlev with their daughter Katya and son Vasya.
Photo rustars.tv “Star fever” did not affect him, although Leonid became one of the most famous artists in the country. He tried to avoid acting parties, preferring to spend time with his wife and children. He was extremely reluctant to agree to give an interview.
Nina and Leonid Kuravlev. Photo showbiz.mediasole.ru
A happy 52-year union ended with the death of his beloved wife in April 2012. The reason for this was two heart attacks that Nina Vasilievna suffered on her feet. An illiterate doctor did not discover that she had a serious heart disease when an elderly woman came to him complaining of feeling unwell.
Nina Vasilyevna got to a competent specialist too late - time was lost. She died in hospital after heart surgery. 75-year-old Kuravlev had difficulty coping with the loss of his wife. To support her father, her eldest daughter Ekaterina moved in with him.
Family support
The Kuravlevs’ daughter, Ekaterina, became so worried about her father’s health and well-being that she practically moved into her parents’ apartment. Father and son Vasily often visit. Kuravlev spends a lot of time with his beloved grandchildren. Now children and grandchildren are his new reason for existence. He often walks with them, talks, and gives gifts.
Neighbors have always admired and admire the Kuravlev family. Despite his enormous popularity, neither Leonid, nor his wife Nina, nor his children, nor his grandchildren, ever became arrogant. They always behaved politely and affably with others.
Kuravlev with grandchildren
Daughter of Leonid Kuravlev - Ekaterina Kuravleva
The daughter of Leonid Kuravlev, Ekaterina Kuravleva, was born in 1962. The girl's first higher education was acting. She graduated from the Shchukin School. But work as an actress did not work out, so Katerina went to become a doctor and received the profession of a psychotherapist. She currently works in her specialty and conducts group trainings for her patients. She also gave her father two beautiful grandchildren.
When her mother died, the woman moved with her children to her father to support him after this tragedy, and at the same time to look after him in order to provide help if necessary.
Rumors of death
Kuravlev finally stopped acting in films. Leonid began to appear little in public and led a reclusive life. He was seen so little and rarely on the street that they began to talk about the actor passing away.
With lightning speed, rumors spread that Leonid Kuravlev had died.
For the first time, TV presenter David Shneiderov spoke with such news on his Facebook page. The news spread on Channel 5 as well. The “alive” Kuravlev was shocked to the core by such “sad news.” Having realized his mistake, David Shneiderov immediately deleted the false post, but the gossip had already spread across the Internet. Perhaps outraged by his “death,” Leonid found new strength to live and move.
Leonid Kuravlev 83
He again began to appear in public, visit fans, and arrange meetings. Leonid never refuses to give an autograph to both the older generation and the youth. He is pleased that his work is remembered and respected to this day. The fake news about the date of the actor’s death outraged and agitated many Internet users. They were glad to learn that Leonid Kuravlev was alive. People sincerely wished their beloved artist health and long life.
Leonid Kuravlev now
Friendship that shaped the future
Fate gave Leonid a generous gift: she brought him together with Vasily Shukshin, who opened the way for him to big cinema. Shukshin also studied at VGIK, but at the directing department. Vasily invited an unknown aspiring actor to play the main role in his graduation project.
Shukshin was so impressed by his work that he wrote the following script especially for Leonid. The audience was sure that in the film “There Lives Such a Guy” Leonid played himself - open, a little simple-minded, kind and extremely charming.
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Leonid Kuravlev's wife - Nina Kuravleva
Leonid Kuravlev's wife, Nina Kuravleva, became the only love in the life of the famous actor. They met when they were very young. They dated for a long time, but decided to get married only when Nina turned 21.
It is worth noting that Nina Kuravleva was a rather strict woman. This is probably why she later became a headmistress from a school teacher. At the same time, she made her family's life happy. She gave all of herself to her beloved husband and children. Their marriage lasted until 2012 - until Nina’s death. After this tragedy, the actor fell into severe depression, refused roles and did not meet with journalists.
Who became and how do the children of Soviet cinema stars - Vitsin, Freundlich, Morgunov and others - live?
Ekaterina and Vasily Kuravlev
The performer of the role of the charming swindler Georges Miloslavsky turned out to be an exemplary family man in life. Leonid Kuravlev met his future wife Nina during his school years. The feeling turned out to be lifelong love. The wife gave the actor a happy marriage and two children. They became the main support for the recently widowed artist.
The eldest daughter, Ekaterina, first decided to follow in the footsteps of her famous father and graduated from drama school. Her debut work was the film “The Most Charming and Attractive,” where Kuravlev also starred. This was followed by several more episodic roles, but soon the girl realized that the acting profession was not for her. She found her true calling in medicine. Now Ekaterina works as a psychotherapist, successfully practicing non-standard techniques.
Kuravlev named his son in honor of Vasily Shukshin, for whom he starred in the film “There Lives Such a Guy.” Unlike his sister, the young man was never drawn to cinema. At first he seriously thought about becoming a tennis player. But, despite his father’s approval, Vasily never got into professional sports. After school, he entered the Automotive Institute, where years later he got a job as a teacher.
Natalya Vitsina
The actor’s only and adored daughter is in many ways similar to his famous father. In real life, Georgy was different from his film images of cheerful bunglers and drunkards. Natalya also passed on her withdrawn character and dislike of publicity. Being a pretty and talented girl, she never aspired to become an actress.
It was not only temperament that united these people who were related to each other. Both were fond of drawing. And if for Vitsin painting and sculpture remained just a hobby, then Natalya devoted her whole life to this matter. Dreaming of becoming a professional artist, she enters the Surikov Institute. The People's Artist approved of his daughter's choice and was very proud of her success. George's acquaintances say that after the performances, he took all the bouquets presented to Natalya so that she could use them for her still lifes.
The woman is still doing what she loves. It is known that Natalya got married. She, like her late father, rarely communicates with journalists and leads a rather closed lifestyle.
Alexey Lebedev
The meek Nastenka from the film “Morozko” in life transformed into a successful actress. Natalya Sedykh was always surrounded by male attention, but she married only once - to composer Viktor Lebedev. Soon after the wedding, the couple had a son, Alexei.
Unfortunately, even a common child could not save this marriage. After 10 years of marriage, the celebrities divorced. One of the reasons for separation is the frequent separation of spouses. Natalya was almost constantly in Moscow, and Lebedev lived in Leningrad. Endless travel exhausted the family. When the son turned 17, he moved in with his father for good. According to Sedykh, this was a mutual decision, since Alexei needed a man’s hand.
In St. Petersburg, the young man graduated from the Faculty of International Relations, but did not work by profession. Since he is far from the world of cinema and rarely appears in public, almost nothing is known about his personal life. As his famous mother admits, Alexey grew up to be a very impressive man with many fans.
Varvara Vladimirova
In the life of the famous actress Alisa Freindlich there were two office romances. One of them is everyone’s favorite film of the same name, and the other is quite real, with the head of the Lensovet Theater Igor Vladimirov. This relationship ended for the movie star with a second marriage and the birth of his beloved daughter Varvara.
The girl grew up in a creative atmosphere from childhood. It seemed that her future was already predetermined, but Varya unexpectedly submits documents to the Faculty of Theater Studies. During the day - work in the library, in the evening - study.
As a result, the acting vocation took over. A year later, the girl enters the theater institute on her father’s course. Vladimirova’s filmography includes several dozen roles in films and TV series. She also has experience working on television as a presenter. Now Varvara continues her acting career, takes part in theatrical productions and raises children from her marriage to politician Sergei Tarasov.
Anton Morgunov
The performer of the role of Experienced from the comedy trio of moonshiners was remembered by the audience not only for his brilliant performance, but also for his difficult family history. Despite his difficult character, Morgunov managed to find a life partner. Soon he and his wife had two sons, Anton and Nikolai. Unfortunately, none of them managed to fulfill their famous father’s dream of becoming musicians. The actor's youngest son died tragically in a car accident at the age of 26. The fate of his older brother is shrouded in secrets and rumors.
Anton practically never appears in public. According to some reports, the man does not work, and his neighbors call him not an entirely adequate person. A loving mother tries in every possible way to protect her only son from the attention of strangers. She gives all her care to his daughter and her beloved granddaughter Evgenia. According to the Morgunovs' acquaintances, the girl dreams of becoming a successful actress.
Alexey Ivashov
Svetlana Svetlichnaya is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful actresses of her time. But despite the image of a blond seductress, in real life the star turned out to be a loving and attentive mother to her sons Alexei and Oleg. After filming, Svetlichnaya always hurried home, dreaming of hugging the children as soon as possible. However, even maternal care could not save the artist’s youngest son Oleg from death. The man died at the age of 33 from alcohol poisoning.
The first-born Alexey was a welcome child for the actress and her husband Vladimir Ivashov. The young man had absolutely no interest in cinema and, after graduating from school, decided to enter medical school. The parents approved of their son's choice. Now Alexey is a successful dentist, an exemplary father and even a grandfather.
For a long time, the press discussed his quarrel with Svetlichnaya. The actress stopped communicating with her son after he did not approve of her new romance with the stylist. Another reason for the disagreement was the housing issue. Fortunately, the relatives were able to improve relations and restore peace in the family.
Daniil and Evgeniy Eidlin
It is difficult to say which of the many roles of the charismatic actress her fans like best. The bright and perky Irina Muravyova in life turned out to be the complete opposite of her heroine from the film “Moscow Doesn’t Believe in Tears.” The woman has been happily married for almost forty years and has raised wonderful sons, Daniil and Evgeniy.
The children decided to follow the example of their famous parents and also connected their lives with creativity. The brothers first appeared on screen in the TV series “Happy New Happiness!” This episode was the start of their film career.
The eldest Daniil graduated from acting courses at the prestigious School of Arts in France. Now the man continues to act in TV series and films. From his first marriage, his son Ivan is growing up, who has become a real favorite of his star grandmother.
Evgeniy also received a creative education. He is a graduate of GITIS, but unlike his brother, he graduated not from the acting department, but from the production department.
Young people are very close to their mother. They said more than once that they were looking for wives of the same homely and charming women as Muravyova.
Documentaries
Leonid Kuravlev is a people's favorite, a bright and recognizable actor. He is not forgotten, he still acts in films, and his fans just don’t let him walk down the street. To be honest, we had a hard time persuading Leonid Vyacheslavovich to give us an interview - Kuravlev does not like, as he himself says, “to show off your face.” He is not a public person at all. The glare of the spotlight and the attention of television cameras is enough for him on film sets. In ordinary life, the actor tries to live quietly and even unnoticed. He refuses interviews, avoids social events, and does not allow journalists into his home. And only for Channel One he made an exception. He gave a long interview to our film crew and talked about very personal moments of his life, ones that he had previously been silent about. In our film, the actor will open the door to his personal life a little for the first time.
Only one woman truly knew Leonid Kuravlev. The one whose warmth his hands remember, whose voice he hears during lonely walks along the embankment. Leonid Kuravlev never played true love on screen, but he lived it in life. For the first time in our film, the actor will tell the story of his love and life with his wife. Until today, he had not shared his memories with anyone.
He met his future wife Nina when he was in 9th grade. I came to the skating rink, saw her - a seventh-grader gliding around in a circle - and that’s it! Gone! They got married 6 years after they met. Kuravlev simply did not consider any other options. Today people are constantly searching: comparing, choosing, calculating - so as not to make a mistake! But Kuravlev didn’t calculate anything. Why look for someone else when you have already found the one you loved and trusted. That’s why Kuravlev didn’t look at any of his classmates at VGIK. And he was never seen having affairs on film sets. Kuravlev himself says - let them not believe me, they may twist their finger at my temple, but that’s how it happened! Nina is the only woman in my life.
Nina Kuravleva was not only beautiful, but also smart. She never rested on her laurels as a star wife. She worked at school all her life, starting as an English teacher, then becoming a head teacher. Especially for our film, we went to the school where Nina Vasilievna worked, talked with the teachers with whom she worked side by side, they told us what she was like.
Almost every actor sooner or later plays a hero-lover. But in Kuravlev’s huge filmography there is not a single melodrama, not a single love story! As for love relationships, on screen Kuravlev most often played frivolous comrades - Arkady from the film “The Beginning”, who cheats on his wife, the frivolous Afanasy Borshchev, the womanizer Misha Dyatlov from the film “The Most Charming and Attractive.” We asked Leonid Vyacheslavovich why he was not allowed to play with serious feelings? True love? Is it that difficult? It turns out - on the contrary! And he immediately, during the interview, showed us how love should be played: how to look at a partner, how to talk to him!
Many of the actor’s colleagues noticed that over the past few years Leonid Vyacheslavovich has changed a lot and has become withdrawn. But there is a reason for this - the most terrible reason that can only be in life. In 2012, the actor’s beloved wife passed away.
Today Kuravlev's consolation is his grandchildren. Three nice boys. Continuation of life, continuation of the family, continuation of the story of his love for Nina. Vnukov was given to the actor by his son, Vasily. Daughter Katya graduated from the Shchukin School and managed to appear in films, even in the same film with her dad. After her mother’s death, Katya moved in with her father so that he would not be left alone. Monitors his health, helps with housework, and generally supports him. The actor's children are even more modest and closed than their father - they flatly refuse to act anywhere. Kuravlev supports - this is their right! But he himself happily talks about his children on camera. For the first time in our film, Leonid Kuravlev spoke about his son’s family and grandchildren.
