Matvey Lykov - biography, personal life, speeches, photos, rumors and latest news 2020

In 1961, in a small town called Rakhya, the future star of Russian cinema, Alexander Lykov, was born. This event took place on November 30 in a family far from cinema.

The mother and grandmother raised the child. His father left the family when Alexander was very young. Mom worked at an optical-mechanical plant. She was a storekeeper. Grandmother worked as a cook.

The actor's childhood was not carefree and easy. At an early age, he was seriously injured after falling from a slide. Doctors claimed that the guy would remain disabled. However, Alexander himself did not share their opinion. He wanted to become a support for his family.

Alexander Lykov began doing gymnastics. He regularly performed exercises aimed at strengthening his spine and back. And after a few months, the doctors were amazed at the guy’s success. He was able to surprise them. Alexander not only began to walk, but also achieved considerable success in sports. He trained in karate, earning a black belt. There were serious successes in biathlon.

Alexander Lykov did not intend to become an actor. After finishing school I decided to get a construction education. He entered the appropriate school and successfully completed his studies. I learned about theatrical life in my final years. Alexander began to attend an acting studio and perform on stage.

After receiving his diploma, Alexander realized that he did not want to work in his specialty. He entered the Leningrad Institute of Theater, Music and Cinema. He received his education under the guidance of Petrov.

Alexander Lykov: family, childhood

The hero of this article was born in the Leningrad region, or more precisely, in the village of Rakhya. This happened in November 1961. Alexander Lykov grew up in a single-parent family. The boy was raised by his mother and grandmother. Mom worked as a storekeeper at LOMO, and grandmother worked in the canteen. Sasha began to be left at home alone early; he grew up as an independent child.

Active, energetic, agile - this is how Lykov was in childhood. One day Sasha received a spinal injury as a result of an unsuccessful fall from a slide. Doctors promised the child disability, but their gloomy forecasts did not come true. The boy began doing physical exercises for his back, and it worked. Subsequently, Alexander became interested in biathlon and karate and achieved some success. He was destined for a sports career, but fate decreed otherwise.

Early years, childhood and family of Alexander Lykov

The future famous actor was born in the village of Rakhya (Leningrad Region) on November 30, 1961. His father left the family early, and therefore practically nothing is known about him today. The mother of our today's hero was an ordinary storekeeper at an optical-mechanical enterprise in Leningrad. Another close person in the life of Alexander Lykov was his grandmother, a cook at one of the local canteens.

Alexander Lykov in the film The Turkish Gambit

The real trials in the life of the future actor began from childhood. Even at school age, little Sasha fell from a children's slide and received a serious injury to one of the segments of the spine. He was registered at one of the local clinics, but all the doctors’ efforts remained in vain for a long time. The doctors, unanimously, said that the boy would remain disabled for the rest of his life.

But the guy was not going to put up with such a verdict from the doctors. Staying alone with himself for a long time, our today's hero independently performed special exercises for the spine and back muscles. And at some point, this approach began to bring results. Leningrad doctors also noted positive changes. It seemed like a real miracle, but at some point Alexander Lykov still managed to get back on his feet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1Q34yNC8OY

Subsequently, as if trying to compensate for lost time, the guy began to engage in several sports at once. Our today's hero achieved particular success in the field of martial arts and biathlon. Currently, the actor’s collection includes several medals from youth competitions, as well as a black belt in karate.

However, in fairness it should be said that Alexander Lykov was never an exemplary child. He often ended up in the children's room of the police and was known in his area as a real hooligan. After graduating from school, he went to a construction school, but even here his violent character often made itself felt. Only closer to the end of his studies did our today’s hero finally find something he liked and managed to direct his energy in a positive direction. Classes in the theater studio became a similar outlet in Alexander’s life.

At some point, Lykov was so captivated by the art of acting that after graduating from college, he decided to enroll again. This time - to the Leningrad State Institute of Theater, Music and Cinematography.

In this place, our today's hero studied for almost five years. Over the years, he has strengthened creatively and become a truly mature actor.

Actor Alexander Lykov continues to be popular

It is quite noteworthy that Lykov began to receive offers from Leningrad theaters already during his studies. One of these was an offer from the head of the Lensovet Theater. One of the local directors noticed the talented actor while still studying. Alexander also did not mind working in a famous theater. However, it was possible to implement the plans only in 1985, after Lykov served in the army.

Studying at LGITMiK

By the time he graduated from school, Alexander Lykov had not yet decided on his choice of profession. The young man continued his education at a construction school. It was then that he became interested in dramatic art and began studying in a theater studio.

After graduating from college, Lykov entered LGITMiK on the first try. The young man was enrolled in a course taught by V.V. Petrov. A charming girl, Alla Gospodenko, took the entrance exams with him. She failed to get admitted, but Alexander began dating her. The following fall, the lovers got married.

My student years flew by quickly. Lykov does not hide the fact that he was not distinguished by exemplary behavior. He took part in riotous parties and repeatedly got into trouble with the police. However, Alexander still graduated from LGITMiK, and he was awarded the diploma in 1984.

Interesting Facts

1. Actor Alexander Lykov served in the army after studying at a theater school. But the artist himself claims that he did not “serve”, but “served.” Mostly former prisoners served in the same unit with him.
2. To get the role of Casanova, Alexander had to kiss a girl while watching. The situation was complicated by the fact that his wife, who also works as the artist’s director, came with him to the casting. Alexander coped with his excitement. His wife played a significant role in this, shouting that he could kiss more convincingly.
3. While studying at the institute, Alexander worked part-time as a salesman. Together with a friend, he sold watermelons at the market.
4. Alexander agreed to star in the film “Seven Dinners” only because his character was silent throughout the entire episode. The actor did not say a single line.
5. While working on the creation of the film “Khrustalev, the car,” the artist had to learn how to drive a tractor. It took 2 weeks. During his training, Alexander managed to turn the tractor on its side and drive it into a swamp.
6. A popular man came to cinema as a stuntman. But over time he became an actor. In films, he performs almost all his own stunts. Alexander especially likes fencing.

Theater

In 1985, actor Alexander Lykov joined the creative team of the Lensovet Theater. His wife was still studying at a theater university at that time. First, a daughter, Ekaterina, was born into the family, then a son, Matvey. The Lykovs desperately needed money and also did not have permanent housing. The actor took part in several famous productions of the Lensovet Theater. For example, he embodied the image of the chairman of the house committee, Shvonder, in “Heart of a Dog.”

In 1989, Alexander joined the troupe of the Leningrad Youth Theater, which he left two years later. Then he collaborated for some time with Lenkom and the Liteiny Theater. In 1994, the Territory Theater opened its doors to him.

What is the reason for Lykov’s throwing? The actor admits that at some point he became bored. Interest disappeared, and Alexander left the troupe.

Personal life

When Matvey Lykov lived in New York, he had many fans and a lot of fleeting romances. But after 3 years of living in America, the model moved to the French capital and has lived there permanently since then. It was in Paris that he met model and fashion designer Jessica Sterenos. The girl has Peruvian roots, but grew up in Spain. In 2013, Matvey and Jessica got engaged and soon got married.

Matvey Lykov and his wife Jessica Sterenos

Matvey Lykov, in addition to his native Russian, is fluent in English and Spanish, and also knows French and Italian well. After the wedding, the family lives in Paris.

First roles

The biography of Alexander Lykov indicates that his path to fame began with small roles. But the aspiring actor had the opportunity to collaborate with real masters. He starred in the drama “The Stray Bus” by Joseph Kheifitz, and appeared in the drama “Cyrano de Bergerac” by Naum Birman.

In “Smile” by Sergei Popov, Lykov brilliantly played a psychiatric patient. In the comedy “The Miser,” he embodied the image of a young man in love named Valer, who circumstances do not allow him to reunite with his chosen one. In the series “The Curse of Durand” the actor’s character became a clergyman. In the comedy “The Picky Groom,” Alexander plays a central role. He played a young man who cannot forget his former lover. The hero breaks one woman's heart after another, until one day he understands who he really wants to stay with. He goes in search of the one who once rejected him.

Career as a model and actor

The young man began his modeling career in 2007, then he was lucky enough to achieve success in this field quite quickly. To this day, Matvey continues to collaborate with famous fashion houses and designers.

Matvey is an open young man who has a special sense of humor and a wonderful imagination. He promises that he plans to walk the catwalk until all the hair on his head falls out. Moreover, he never tried to do one thing; he was always interested in directing, producing and acting. He is ambitious and never stopped short of a goal.

Working at the agency changed Matvey's life. He always stood out among other guys. He was not only tall, but also handsome in appearance. But his physique was always thin, bordering almost on anorexia.

The young man was never ashamed of himself and his appearance. He even often said that he could hide behind a mop. And in one of the episodes of “Evening Urgant” he joked that if in childhood someone is compared to a skeleton, then he has the opportunity to conquer the fashion world.

Not only did he have to gain a little extra weight, but he also had to hit the gym and build muscle.

Many people believe that models can only eat vegetables and light foods. Matvey does not adhere to any type of diet. This happens largely due to lack of time. Often he had to eat whatever came to hand. But he always admitted that he loves to cook. But he prefers that his wife do it, because she cooks faster and tastier. And my favorite dish is borscht with garlic.

At first he worked in New York, later he began to collaborate with fashion houses in Milan, London, Paris and Tokyo. Now his track record includes an incredible number of fashion shows, advertised clothes and accessories.

Now he is one of the few male supermodels of Russian origin in the world's top fashion models.

He also repeatedly starred in music videos, but the opportunity to become an actor came a little later. Moreover, film director Timur Bekmambetov was able to appreciate the young man’s acting thanks to music videos. Then he invited Matvey Lykov to professional cinema.

After some time, the fantasy film “He is a Dragon” based on the novel “Ritual” by science fiction writers Sergei and Marina Dyachenko was released on big television screens. The film became popular almost all over the world.

The audience and critics were able to appreciate it. But the most important recognition was received by Matvey from his own father, Alexander Lykov. The main Casanova of Russian cinema and television reduced his attitude to the role to the fact that Matvey first of all conveyed his own character. He, according to his father, is stubborn, funny and tough.

After this role, Matvey Lykov was invited to the film “Petersburg. Only love" . Only played in an episode. At the same time, he took a directing course at the Paris International Film and Television School. She plans to connect her future career not only with modeling, but also with art.

In 2020, Matvey appeared in the television series “Tourist Police” on the Friday channel.

Finest hour

In 1997, Alexander Lykov, whose photo can be seen in the article, finally became a star. This happened thanks to the series “Streets of Broken Lanterns”, the plot of which was borrowed from the works of Andrei Kivinov. The television project tells about the everyday life of law enforcement officers.

Lykov played one of the key roles in this series. The actor's hero is operative Vladimir Kazantsev, who goes by the nickname Casanova. Alexander does not hide the fact that he initially treated this work as an ordinary hack. However, he quickly got involved, and the role began to arouse his interest. Charming, assertive, hooligan, loving, impudent - this is how the actor presented his character. Thousands of spectators literally fell in love with Casanova.

Success in cinema

The filmography of Alexander Lykov began to be regularly updated in the distant 1990s. At first he received episodic roles. But even in minor scenes he showed himself clearly. He skillfully demonstrated all facets of his talent. He received his first role in the children's film magazine “Yeralash”.

The first success came after the release of the film “You Are the Only One for Me.” Alexander played a gay man. The scene in which our hero appeared was not big. However, Alexander played his role masterfully. Directors and spectators noticed him.

The main role was not long in coming. The leading character was played by actor Alexander Lykov in the film “The Picky Groom.” This project did not bring him much popularity. However, the number of proposals from directors has increased several times.

Alexander became famous for his role in the film “Operation Happy New Year.” And after the release of the film project “Street of Broken Lanterns,” Alexander’s popularity increased noticeably. He played a character nicknamed Casanova. Actors such as Alexei Nilov, Anastasia Melnikova, Mikhail Trukhin, Sergei Selin and Oscar Kuchera worked with him on the same set.

With each subsequent project, the actor’s fame only increased. Such films with Alexander as “Gangster Petersburg”, “Lost the Sun”, “Saboteur” were released. He played even minor roles vividly. It is worth highlighting such projects in Alexander’s filmography as “Turkish Gambit”, “Favorsky”, “Kazarosa”.

You can see the actor in the television show “The Last Hero”. Alexander spent several months on the island with such stars as Elena Proklova, Marina Alexandrova, Igor Livanov, Olga Orlova.

Alexander's filmography includes more than 100 projects. Among the latest films, “Seven Dinners”, “Grand”, “Frontier”, “Adaptation”, “Year of Culture”, “Cuba” should be highlighted. At the present stage, Alexander is working on the creation of a multi-part project “Grand”. On the same set he stars with Mila Sivatskaya and Elizaveta Kononova.

Leaving "Streets of Broken Lanterns"

What made Lykov say goodbye to the series “Streets of Broken Lanterns”? At some point, the main characters of the television project gained such popularity that the actors began to be associated with their characters. Alexander realized that he was becoming a hostage to one image. The actor was afraid that this would put an end to his career.

It is impossible not to mention that the series itself began to change not for the better. Lykov did not like the fact that the scriptwriters began to repeat themselves. It was not easy for him to leave the team with which he became close and a stable income. However, Alexander still forced himself to leave.

In a new role

The actor managed to part with his role quite easily. Alexander Lykov brilliantly played the writer Merezhkovsky in the film “The Diary of a Murderer” by Kirill Serebrennikov. Then he embodied a vivid image in the blockbuster “Turkish Gambit”, the plot of which was borrowed from the work of the same name by Boris Akunin. His character was the indecisive and timid Captain Perepelkin, who ultimately turns out to be a ruthless and cold-blooded Turkish spy.

Alexander copes brilliantly with comedic roles. He proved this once again when he embodied the image of Paganel in love in the film “The Food is Served, or Beware, Love!”

In the action movie “Save Yourself, Brother,” the actor played Arseny’s father. In the past, his hero is a veteran of the Afghan war. He carefully hides the reasons that prompted him to leave the world. What is clear is that he is haunted by guilt. In the detective series “The Inquisitor,” which tells the story of the search for a mysterious killer, Lykov played the head of the investigation department. In the adventure comedy “April Fool's Day,” the actor got the role of collector Sergei Sergeevich.

Film and television projects

The filmography of Alexander Lykov contains about 100 film and television projects. The films and TV series he has starred in over the past few years are listed below.

• "Three Musketeers".
• "Sherlock Holmes".
• "No right to choose."
• "Inquisitor".
• "Fool's Day".
• "Leningrad, 46".
• "Save yourself, brother."
• "About love".
• "The last article of a journalist."
• "Cuba".
• "Wings of the Empire"
• "Frontier".
• "White Shaman"
• "Elusive."
• "Grandee".
• "The Day Before"

Lykov’s further creative plans are kept secret for now.

Love, family

What is happening in the personal life of Alexander Lykov? For many years now, the actor has been married to a woman named Alla, with whom he linked his destiny back in his student years. He considers himself very lucky to have his wife.

The actor’s eldest daughter, Ekaterina, chose a profession that has nothing to do with the world of cinema and theater. But Lykov’s youngest son Matvey followed in his father’s footsteps. First, the young man became famous as a model, and then declared himself as a promising actor. He played a bright role in the film “He is a Dragon.”

Heirs. Matvey Lykov

You starred in the video for I Love You, directed by director and musician Yoann Lemoine (Woodkid). What do you remember about this experience?

Filming the video was a real challenge. I literally survived twice, because “this is the story of a man who died twice.” This is not my first time working with Woodkid, but given the harsh natural and climatic conditions of Iceland, there were times when I had no choice but to pray to God. For example, when I entered the icy Atlantic Ocean without a safety net or walked along the edge of a glacier crevice.

By the way, why does the Protestant pastor in your performance speak Russian at the beginning of the video?

I think Yoann chose the Russian version precisely so that everyone would ask: “Why?” It worked great, right?

How do you see your future?

No one can know what awaits him. Of course, I have many plans. I don’t rule out any possibilities: producing, cinematography, acting, directing - all this endlessly fascinates me. Let's see what comes of this. I consider my main task, no matter how pretentious it may sound, to update the image of our country. I’m proud to be Russian, and it’s important to me that people respect our culture and nation.

How much of an influence did your family have on you?

As a child, I quickly became bored with the conversations about art that often took place in our home. Unlike my older sister, who willingly took part in them, I liked to observe and fantasize more. Of course, my family shaped me as a person. My mother taught me humility, my father taught me to be free, and my sister, perhaps, taught me everything else. And most importantly, our parents taught us to love. Now I'm on the verge of starting my own family. Three years ago I fell in love at first sight with a girl who, I hope, will soon become my wife. Jessica is a fashion designer of Swedish-Peruvian heritage and grew up in Spain. I think our meeting was predetermined; it’s no coincidence that I studied Spanish so persistently in my youth. For me, family is a fortress.

In your opinion, is talent inherited?

I would like to.

AND OTHER CHILDREN OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS

Text: Katerina Lykova Photo: Yura Treskov