Childhood
Irina Efremova is an actress whom the whole country loves and knows. She was born in the capital at the end of July 1963. Almost nothing is known about her childhood life and parents.
It is known that the maiden name of the famous actress is Matveevskaya. Even in early childhood, Irina was so passionate about theater and cinema that she always dreamed of becoming an actress.
Brief biography of Irina Efremova
Irina Efremova was born on July 28, 1963 in Moscow. Since childhood, I dreamed of acting in films and acting on stage , so I never missed a single performance or a single released film. At school I studied in a theater studio, loved poetry and sang well. After school I submitted my documents to the Shchukin Theater School. All rounds were successful and she was accepted into Albert Bugrov’s course.
Her classmates loved her for her kind and open character. When I was in my second year, I played in the comedy “These Are Such Miracles ,” directed by Efim Galperin. And although the role of a dancer she performed was episodic, she did not regret it, since on the set she met experienced artists: Maria Vinogradova, Nikolai Trofimov, Viktor Ilyichev. She learned skills from them.
She received her first serious role in 1984, the year she graduated from college. She played the main character in the film “Special Unit,” which told the story of graduate artists during the Great Patriotic War, who, under enemy fire, overcoming the difficulties of military life, gave hundreds of performances and concerts, organizing a theater brigade.
In 1985, she took part in the filming of the film Document R, based on the novel by Irving Wallace. The film talks about how the reactionary forces of the United States want to establish a dictatorship in the country and are preparing a plot to assassinate the President. A year later, the actress starred in a cameo role with Georgy Nathanson in the film “Valentin and Valentina” and said goodbye to cinema for a while.
The beginning of a cinematic career
Irina Lvovna Efremova began acting in her student years, but then she was not yet married, so viewers knew her by her maiden name. The first film in which the unknown student Irina Matveevskaya was offered a role was the film “These Are Such Miracles.” The young actress played a small role in episodic scenes of the comedy film. The role of a dancer turned out to be important for the young actress, as it helped her understand and realize her choice of profession.
Efim Galperin helped the girl learn the wisdom of the profession, as he not only gave her the necessary advice and recommendations, the girl starred with such famous actors as Viktor Ilyichev and Nikolai Trofimov.
Immediately after graduating from theater school, Irina Efremova, an actress whom the whole country loves and knows, starred in the title role of the film “Special Unit”. The plot of this film is based on real facts. It tells the story of young and talented theater school students who, during the difficult and harsh war years, create their own army brigade.
A year later, Irina Efremova, whose personal life was always interesting to viewers, starred in another film. In the film “Valentin and Valentina” she was offered only a small cameo role. But after this, the young actress disappears from the screens, as she gets married, changes her last name and does not act in films for some time.
Films and TV series
The actress’s track record includes a little more than two dozen works. She could have been filmed more; as an actress, she had all the necessary qualities, but she was very kind and could give up a good role to a colleague for the sake of maintaining friendly relations. Irina's film debut took place in 1982. A nineteen-year-old student at the Shchukin Theater School played a small role as a member of the ensemble in Yefim Galperin’s comedy “These Are Such Miracles.” In the credits of films of the eighties, the actress is listed under her maiden name, so in many sources the official filmography of the actress begins only in 2002.
Irina Efremova in the film “These Are Such Miracles” | Cinema
Irina received her first leading role back in Soviet times. In 1984, she played a member of the front-line acting fraternity in the military film “Special Unit.” The plot centers on young artists, still just children, who found themselves at war in 1941. On the set, the young actress starred with popular Soviet artists: Yuri Sarantsev, Tamara Syomina, Vyacheslav Shalevich, Radner Muratov. In the nineties, Irina worked on the Ostankino channel; there was a pause in her acting career. In 2002 she successfully made her debut as a director. The documentary film “Father”, shot by Efremova, was favorably received by critics. Irina even received an award from the XII Documentary Film Festival “Message to Man” for the best directorial debut.
Irina Efremova in the film “Two Fates” | Film mania
The series “Two Fates” helped the artist return to the screens as an actress in 2002. This project was resonant, Efremova was noticed, although she had a small role. In 2003, she starred in the adventure mini-series with Alexei Buldakov “Striped Summer” and in the crime series based on the works of Chingiz Abdullaev “Detective without a license.” In 2004, Irina already had five projects. The most memorable role during this period was the role of a dachshund breeder in the comedy “Four Taxi Drivers and a Dog.” The year 2006 was even more fruitful for Efremova. She starred in the biographical melodrama “Andersen. Life without love”, in the mini-series “Short Breath”, in the comedy “Wouldn’t There Be Happiness…” with Alexei Makarov, in the military drama “Breakthrough”, in the detective story “Theft” and in the sequel to the comedy “Four Taxi Drivers and a Dog”.
Irina Efremova in the film “Take Me with You” | Film mania
In the period from 2007 to 2009, the actress’s creative growth continued. Irina starred in several serial films: “Russian Chocolate” with Kirill Kazakov, “The Adventures of Notary Neglintsev” with Igor Bochkin and Evgenia Dobrovolskaya, “Housing Problem” with Ivan Stebunov. The actress’s employment in TV series did not prevent her from participating in enterprises on the stage of the Russian Psychological Theater in Moscow. In 2010, there was a lull in Efremova’s career. One of her last works was the role of Irina Poplavskaya in the film “Doctor Death”. Due to the artist’s sudden death, the press called the film “prophetic,” although more than six years had passed since the series’ release.
Irina Efremova – TV presenter
For twenty years, Irina Efremova, an actress whom the whole country knows and loves, left cinema and did not return to her favorite profession. In the nineties, the young actress again appeared on television screens, but only as a television presenter.
On the most popular Russian channel, together with Igor Voevodin and Lev Novozhenov, she hosted the then-famous program “Vremechko”. Ostankino became her permanent place of work.
Efremova Irina Viktorovna
Born October 25, 1980 In 2003 Graduated from RATI (GITIS). Since 2003 - actress of the Film Actor Theater.
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- actress (45)
5.8
Moscow Greyhound 2 (2018, TV series, directed by Roman Prosvirnin) / Galina
3.8/9
Nothing happens twice (2018, TV series, directed by Oksana Bayrak) main role / Irina Sergeevna Zarubina / Boris’s mother
4.3/3
Big Sky (2017, multi-episode, directed by Vlad Nikolaev)
How to get your husband back in thirty days (2017, television, directed by Valery Rozhnov) main role / Larisa
7.3/3
Partners (2016, TV series, directed by Guzel Kireeva) supporting role / Vera Prostyakova
6.3/21
40+, or Geometry of Feelings (2016, multi-episode, dir. Oksana Bayrak) main character / Maria
5.3/3
Sasha the good, Sasha the evil (2015/2017, TV series, directed by Michislav Yuzovsky) main role / Tatyana Ivanovna Kosheleva
6.3/10
Heart of a Star (2014, TV series, directed by Sergei Borchukov, Alexander the Great, etc.) main role / Sashka / Alexandra Grineva
2.8/4
Grandfather 005 (2013-2014, TV series, directed by Arkady Grigoryan, Mher Mkrtchyan) / Marina
5.5/8
Stanitsa (2013, TV series, directed by Vladimir Shevelkov) supporting role / Nina
6.8/46
Grandfather 005 (2013, dir. Arkady Grigoryan, Mher Mkrtchyan) supporting role / Marina
6.6/8
Three stars (2013, TV series, directed by Sergei Lesogorov, Michislav Yuzovsky, etc.) supporting role / Arianna
6.0/7
Kiss (2013, TV series, dir. Oleg Maslennikov, Vyacheslav Aleshechkin)
5.5/2
Code of Honor 6 (2012-2013, TV series, directed by Murad Aliyev, Oleg Shtrom) supporting role / Gabrelyan
5.6/9
Veronica. Lost Happiness (2012, TV series, directed by Miroslav Malich) supporting role / Ekaterina
6.5/43
It will be a bright day (2012, multi-episode, directed by Oleg Shtrom)
6.8/50
Beagle (2011, TV series, directed by Dmitry Brusnikin) supporting role / Olga Burlakova
5.6/14
Wild 2 (2011, TV series, directed by Artem Mazunov) / Olesya Trubetskaya / actress
6.6/32
He left and did not return (2011, dir. Valery Pendrakovsky) / Taya
Get to your room immediately. In the service of the law (2011, TV series, directed by Sergei Vinogradov, Mikhail Tsitrinyak) supporting role / Christina
6.7/7
Ivan and Tolyan (2011, TV series, directed by Miroslav Malich) / Lilya
4.4/5
Comrade police officers (2011, TV series, directed by Yuri Kharnas, Konstantin Frolov, etc.) / Julia
6.7/56
Boiling Point (2010, multi-part, directed by Oleg Shtrom) / Elizaveta Lagutina / wife of Arkady Lagutin
6.6/45
The forty-third issue (2010, multi-part, directed by Rauf Kubaev) / Raisa
6.2/37
Garages (2010, TV series, directed by Alexander Zhigalkin, Yuri Kuzmenko) / Karina
6.3/29
At all latitudes (2010, TV series, directed by Vitaly Lukin)
6.1/16
Yard (2010, TV series, directed by Oleg Shtrom, Kira Angelina, etc.) / Polina
5.4/17
Chasing the Shadow (2010, TV series, directed by Guzel Kireeva) main role / Victoria Berezhnaya
6.6/79
Varenka. Test of Love (2009, multi-episode, directed by Valery Devyatilov)
5.5/21
The Man in My Head (2009, television, directed by Alexey Pimanov) (credited as I. Efremova)
cameo role / Natalya / Andrey's lover
6.7/155
Native people (2008, TV series, directed by Igor Shkurin, Vladimir Doshchuk, etc.)
5.1/8
S.S.D. (2008, dir. Vadim Shmelev) cameo role / counselor
5.9/28
God's Gift (2008, TV series, directed by Oleg Shtrom) main character / Irina Anatolyevna Berkutova
6.0/16
Santa Claus involuntarily (2007, television, dir. Elena Tsyplakova) episodic role / Olga
4.9/17
Three and Snowflake (2007, dir. Pavel Bardin, Mher Mkrtchyan) episodic role / Galina
6.0/24
Squirrel in a Wheel (2007, TV series, directed by Vitaly Babenko) main role / Violetta
5.3/3
Blue Nights (2007, multi-part, directed by David Tkebuchava) / Zhanna / counselor
6.6/60
Happy Together (2006, TV series, directed by Alexander Anurov) / Maria
5.2/49
There would be no happiness... (2006, multi-episode, directed by Valery Sarkisov) / Kira / Balashov’s wife
5.1/15
Adjutants of Love (2005, TV series, directed by Mikhail Mokeev, Boris Rabei, etc.) / Zhanna / reader
6.1/81
Dasha Vasilyeva. Private Investigation Lover 4 (2005, TV series, directed by Igor Muzzhukhin) / Ksenia Shmeleva / episode “Ghost in Sneakers”
6.7/12
Bachelor Party, or Big Sex in a Small Town (2005, TV series, directed by Alexander Krymov) / Alla
6.3/3
Kulagin and partners (2004-2012, TV series, directed by Ivan Shchegolev, Alexander Grabar, etc.) / Alina
6.5/37
Viola Tarakanova. In the world of criminal passions (2004, TV series, directed by Vladimir Shchegolkov) / Svetlana
6.2/38
Always say “always” 2 (2004, TV series, directed by Alexey Kozlov) / Irina / advertising agency employee
6.4/70
- Performances
- Shreds along the back streets / m (dir. - L. Mukha / Film Actor Theater)
- Measure for Measure / Marianna (dir. - I. Yatsko / Film Actor Theater)
- Poor Pierrot / Teresa (dir. - V. Vinogradov / Film Actor Theater)
- I came to give you freedom / Alena (dir. - A. Shakun / enterprise)
Return to cinema
In 2002, Irina Efremova decides to return to cinema. And her very first filming in the series “Two Fates” immediately brought her fame and popularity. Irina Efremova’s filmography includes more than twenty films, where each time her heroines are new and with a big and kind soul.
In 2003, Irina Efremova starred in the adventure series “Striped Summer.” Directors noticed her in this work, and the next year the talented actress starred in five films. But the audience especially remembered the role of a dog breeder in the comedy series “Four Tank Men and a Dog.”
The year 2006 turned out to be even more fruitful and successful for the talented and popular actress. Irina Efremova’s filmography has been replenished with several films at once: “There Would Be No Happiness,” “Hijacking,” “Breakthrough,” “Short Breath” and “Andersen. Life without love."
But the creative career of the talented actress did not stop there, and her popularity and fame only increased. Over the course of several years, from 2007 to 2009, the young actress starred in several more films: “Russian Chocolate”, “Housing Problem”, “The Adventures of Notary Neglintsev” and others. Her partners on the set were such famous actors as Igor Bochkin, Kirill Kazakov, Evgenia Dobrovolskaya and others.
At the same time, she actively participates in theatrical life, performing on the stage of the Russian Psychological Theater in the capital. In the capital, all performances where a popular actress participates are liked by the audience, and such premieres are always sold out. Theatrical life also seems interesting and exciting to Irina Lvovna, but for a long time she was not able to participate in this area.
But already in 2010, after the release of the series “Doctor Death”, where Irina Lvovna played the main female role, there was again a lull in her cinematic career. By the way, it was this film that became prophetic for the talented actress. And her death came as a surprise to viewers, although the cause of Irina Efremova’s death still continues to worry fans of her work.
Cinema
Irina Efremova made her film debut during her student years and has since starred in more than forty films. The actress plays mainly in TV series. Until 2008, she played mainly episodic roles. She starred in such projects as: “Always say “always””, “My Fair Nanny”, “Kulagin and Partners”, “Dzisai”, “Wapit Hunting”, “Varenka”.
In 2008, director Oleg Shtrom offered Irina one of the main roles (Irina Berkutova) in the melodrama “God's Gift” with Mikhail Mamaev, Ekaterina Semenova, Vera Alentova, Vladimir Korenev, Maxim Radugin. The film tells the story of doctors entangled in the intricacies of a love triangle. About the difficult choice between family warmth or the cold shine of a successful career, friendship and betrayal, love and hate, life and death.
Later, the actress took part in popular TV series: “Family People”, “Voronins”, “Yard”. Irina’s recurring type of on-screen heroines forced her to work hard on each role and make it individual.
In 2010, the artist tried on shoulder straps in Guzel Kireeva’s film “Chasing the Shadow.” Irina created the image of a serious, strong-willed major of the operational search department, Victoria Berezhnaya. The film is about detectives, their relationships and personal problems, but united by one thing - the desire to honestly fulfill their professional duty. The ensemble for the actress consisted of: Kirill Safonov, Dmitry Matveev, Anna Yakunina and others.
The series "Kiss!"
Another notable work of Irina Efremova was the leading role in Oleg Maslennikov’s melodrama “Kiss!” about the dreams and disappointments of a rural girl who came to conquer Moscow. In one of the interviews about the film, the artist says: “The entire conflict of the series develops between two families: the Bondarchuks and the Voroshilovs. My heroine Larisa is the main villain of the series, the antagonist of the main character. Larisa is capable of crime, of murder, of any, even the most terrible, meanness. Of course, somewhere this is justified, because, as it seems to her, she is protecting her family, her daughter. But this is already in the category of “I’ll strangle you with my love.” In my opinion, her love has been elevated to some kind of abnormal degree. In some places I even try to justify my heroine, but it’s difficult for me.”
The actress coped with the role excellently, despite the fact that to get used to the character she had to do a lot for the first time in her life. "Yes. For example, for the first time in my life I danced Argentine tango. Then my heroine has this peculiarity that she relieves her stress by hitting a punching bag. I’ve never had to do this before either,” admitted Irina.
It is worth noting the artist’s recent major works: Nina in the crime drama “Stanitsa” with Nina Usatova, Maria Shukshina, Sergei Nikonenko, Pavel Trubiner; Angela in the melodrama “It Will Be a Bright Day” by Oleg Shtrom; Alexandra Grineva in the film “Heart of a Star” about the mysterious death of a popular young singer.
A number of recent projects in which the actress took part are somewhat different from the usual television series. This is the biographical film “Juna” about the life of the famous fortuneteller and the documentary series “The Matrona Effect”, which tells about the great Moscow healer.
In 2016, a new crime series “Good Sasha, Evil Sasha” was released, where Irina Efremova played one of the prominent roles. The plot of the film centers on a major from Moscow played by Vladimir Yaglych. He was sent to help his Crimean colleagues solve a certain crime. The major has good deduction, intelligence and intelligence. He will certainly be able to bring the crooks out into the open. The filming took place in Sevastopol. Such famous actors as Igor Filippov, Alexander Peskov, Leonid Kulagin, Roman Madyanov took part in them.
Director's work
But the return to cinema in 2002 began not only with filming in various films. The young and talented girl decided to try herself as a director. Her first debut directorial work was the film “Father”. Critics praised this work.
For this documentary, Irina Lvovna received her first award at the XII Documentary Film Festival. Her documentary film received the award for best debut director.
First steps to success
Even in her first years of study, Irina was offered a small role in the comedy film “These Are Such Miracles.” Then the girl performed under a different name - Matveevskaya. And although Irina played in only a few episodes, she was able to reveal her potential and meet famous actors: Nikolai Trofimov, Maria Vinogradova, Viktor Ilyichev, etc.
Then two years later, immediately after graduating from the university, Efremova had great luck, which was marked by the main role in the film “Special Unit”. The plot of the film tells us about the hard work of artists during the Second World War. Graduates of the theater school performed hundreds of performances and creative evenings for their compatriots.
The actress took part in various theatrical productions
Very often, young people risked their lives in order to raise the morale of several units of the Red Army before an important battle. The most talented actors were supposed to create the first professional theater on their own, but instead they become involuntary participants in hostilities as part of a new unit.
The directors of this film were Georgy Shchukin and Vladimir Ivanov. The interesting thing is that they based the film on real events that really became part of our history.
In 1985, Irina Efremova took part in the filming of the famous film by Georgy Nathanson “Valentin and Valentina”. The girl played a very minor role in the film, so she began to think about devoting herself entirely to the viewer and performing on stage. Almost immediately, Irina began collaborating with various theaters.
The most memorable works of the artist were:
- "Romeo and Juliet. Centuries later" - the role of Juliet.
- “Eight Loving Women” - the role of Gabi.
- "It's a Wonderful Life" - Karl's widow.
The actress's theatrical activities are mainly represented by diverse roles. But at the same time, all her heroines were always charming and captivating. The audience froze when Efremova began to perform.
Efremova was the host of the “Vremechko” program
In 1993, the actress became the first presenter of the new television program Vremechko. It was created to tell real stories from the lives of ordinary people. Participants were asked questions live, helped solve difficult situations, and told about the latest news in the capital and the world. At that time, many believed that the program would be closed within a month, but its ratings, unexpectedly for everyone, rose very high.
After Irina Efremova had to leave her position, she decided to take a break from television, and there were some minor problems in the actress’s personal life. At that time, the presenter practically divorced her first husband and could only think about her experiences (see photos of the actress below in the article).
Personal life
Irina Lvovna did not like to discuss her personal life or say anything about it. It is known that after graduating from theater school she got married, but in 1993, having appeared on screens as the host of the “Vremechko” program, she was just going through the process of divorcing her husband. By the way, she left her husband’s last name, and viewers know her as Irina Efremova.
The second husband of the popular actress was Boris Frenkel, a businessman. They were introduced by Lev Novozhenov, and she lived happily in marriage for several years. According to the memoirs of a colleague of the talented actress, all the Ostankino employees were in love with Irina Lvovna. Pleasant appearance, a beautiful face, an inner core and a gentle character, in which both firmness and willpower were felt, enchanted men.
Despite the fact that Irina Lvovna Efremova was married several times, she had children. Therefore, she tried to monitor her appearance and prolong the youth of her body and face as long as possible.
Creation
Theater
- "Romeo and Juliet. Centuries later"; production by N. Bender - Juliet
(enterprise) - "Eight Loving Women"; production by V. Shilovsky - Gabi
(enterprise) - "Wonderful Life"; production by Vladimir Baicher - the widow of Karl
(Film Actor Theater)
Filmography
- 2002 - Father (documentary) - presenter, director
- 2002 - Two Fates (TV series) - neighbor Marina
- 2003 - Striped Summer (TV series) - journalist
- 2003 - Detective without a license (TV series) - Veronika Andreevna
- 2004 - Barabashka - mother of Yura and Nyura
- 2004 - Guys of Steel - wife of Governor Boris Drannikov
- 2004 - Carousel (TV series) - Christina, French nurse
- 2004 - A Place in the Sun (TV series) - wife of a deputy
- 2004 - Four taxi drivers and a dog - Marina Mikhailovna Yurkova, dachshund breeder
- 2005 - Short Breath - Nadya
- 2006 - Andersen. Life without love - Queen of Denmark
- 2006 - Breakthrough - mother of a conscript
- 2006 - Commercial break (TV series) - Svetlana, wife of a businessman
- 2006 - Theft - BMW owner
- 2006 - Four taxi drivers and a dog 2 - Marina Mikhailovna Yurkova, dachshund breeder
- 2007 - Women's stories (TV series) - Marina
(episode "Family Tyrant") - 2007 - Housing Problem (TV series) - mother
- 2008 - Gift of God - Irina Berkutova
- 2008 - Take me with you (TV series) - Galina
- 2009 - Take me with you 2 (TV series) - Galina Yesayan
- 2009 - The Adventures of Notary Neglintsev (TV series) - Neglintsev’s wife
- 2010 - Russian chocolate - Raisa, wife of Matvey Pakhomov
- 2010 - Doctor Death - Irina
A television
- The first presenter of the program “Vremechko”[5]
Cause of death of Irina Efremova
Unfortunately, the personal life of the talented actress and her second husband was unsuccessful. The last months of her life, the relationship between the spouses was very strained and difficult. Quarrels and conflicts often broke out between them. This continued until the beginning of September 2016, when Boris decided to visit his wife, who suddenly stopped answering his phone calls.
Boris Frenkel first tried to knock on the door of their apartment, where Irina had recently lived. Despite the fact that this housing was joint property, Boris Frenkel did not have the keys. But all attempts were unsuccessful, and then he, without hesitation, called the police. Having opened the door, the police discovered the body of the talented actress, but they found no signs of violent death.
Today there are several versions of her death. Official sources claim that the death of the talented actress was due to heart failure. But since Irina Lvovna was a beautiful and bright woman who was barely 52 years old, fans of her work are trying to find other reasons for her death.
For example, the plastic surgeries that Irina Efremova did and diets could not pass without leaving a trace and affected the functioning of the heart. Some considered her husband to be the culprit for her death, with whom she had recently had a difficult relationship, and scandals broke out between the spouses from time to time.
It is known that after Irina Efremova’s funeral, fans of her talent and creativity organized a memorial evening at the Central House of Cinema. It is also reported that relatives, who still do not believe in the official version of death, buried the great artist modestly. But her relatives decided to leave her burial place a secret.
Death of an actress
The theater and film actress died in the fall of 2020. Photos of Efremova instantly appeared in newspapers and online publications. Irina Lvovna’s body was found on September 9 by her husband Boris Frenkel, with whom she had a difficult relationship in the last months of her life. The businessman stopped by the apartment he shared with Efremova because his wife was not answering calls. After unsuccessful attempts to open the door, Boris Frenkel called the police.
Irina Efremova | Kazanfirst
Having entered the apartment, law enforcement officers found the lifeless body of the actress. The police did not find a criminal component in the death of Boris Frenkel's wife. After Irina’s funeral, admirers of her talent organized a memorial evening, which took place on October 18, 2020 at the Central House of Cinema. Relatives decided to leave Efremova’s burial place a secret.
Actress's childhood
Efremova Irina Viktorovna was born in Moscow on October 25, 1980. Irina's parents were not creative people. Dad - Viktor Alexandrovich - worked at a factory, mother - Valentina Ivanovna - worked at a factory. Ira was the only child in the family.
Since childhood, she loved to read poetry, and at school and lyceum - history and literature. After graduating from school, Irina Efremova wanted to enter the Gorky Literary Institute. Thanks to the lyceum literature teacher Inna Lyutsianovna Vishnevskaya (who worked at the same time at GITIS), Irina had a special love for the theater. She even took part in school plays.
