Many novice and already established actors from all over the world are eager to go to Hollywood, but not many manage to conquer it. Only a few are given to become truly successful and in demand, but this does not stop stars of various sizes from taking the path to conquering this Everest movie. We decided to make a photo-list of Russian actors who conquered Hollywood - they managed to declare themselves not only in Russia, but also on the other side of the ocean.
Alla Nazimova
- "Blood and Sand", "Since You Left", "Salome", "The Bridge of King Louis Saint"
The first wave of domestic actors arrived to conquer America after the overthrow of the monarchy. But some Russian actors managed to get into the first successful silent Hollywood films long before the October Revolution. Actress Alla Nazimova is forgotten in her homeland, but this beautiful woman is well remembered by American viewers. After a successful tour on Broadway, Alla remained in America and for more than 10 years was one of the prima of the Metro Pictures film studio.
Svetlana Hodchenkova
- "Bless the Woman", "Godunov", "A Short Course in a Happy Life", "Spy, Get Out"
After her career as an actress developed in Russia, she decided to try herself in Western projects. Svetlana was able to get into several successful Hollywood films at once, and such stars as Hugh Jackman and Colin Firth became her partners. The actress could expect even greater success, but she refuses to move to the States, and in order to finally conquer Hollywood, it is necessary to live and work there. Despite her good knowledge of English, Khodchenkova admits that it is very difficult to play in another country in a foreign language.
Yul Brynner
- "The Magnificent Seven", "Westworld", "Morituri", "Solomon and Sheba"
The real name of the actor, who was born in Vladivostok, is Julius Borisovich Brynner. He was a real reveler and a rake, and his first performances in Europe were associated with gypsy songs. Everything changed after Yula's mother fell ill. To pay for expensive treatment, the future actor got a job as a laborer in the theater. It was there that Brynner realized that acting was his destiny and began to storm Broadway. He was in for real success, and his stage partners were such celebrities as Ingrid Bergman and Gina Lollobrigida.
Danila Kozlovsky
- "Legend No. 17", "We are from the Future", "Vampire Academy", "McMafia"
Success in Russia came to Danila at the age of 13 after filming in "Simple Truths". The whole country fell in love with the grown-up handsome actor, especially after the film "We are from the Future". In 2013, Kozlovsky decided that it was time to expand the borders and went to America. Now Danila has fans in the United States, he can be seen in advertising for the Chanel brand with Keira Knightley herself. I would like to think that this is not the last peak that our talented young compatriot was able to conquer.
Anton Yelchin
- "Hearts in Atlantis", "Only Lovers Left Alive", "Alpha Dog", "Criminal Minds"
Anton's parents, being famous figure skaters, moved to the USA when the boy was not even a year old. Nevertheless, Anton spoke excellent Russian and remembered his roots. His film career began with the successful TV series Ambulance, Practice and NYPD. If at first he was offered only the role of cute guys, then later the actor's potential was really revealed after participating in "Star Trek" and "Alpha Dog". Yelchin could have shone on screens now, if not for the ridiculous accident - in 2016, Anton fell under the wheels of his own car, forgetting to put the car on the hand brake.
Olga Baklanova
- The Man Who Laughs, Freaks, New York Docks, Under the Stairs
In the 20s of the last century, Baklanova was a real star in the USSR, but at the peak of fame she refused to leave America, where she came on tour. By the will of fate, it was this act that Lyubov Orlova opened for domestic audiences, who replaced Olga in the operetta Perikola. Baklanova herself received recognition in Hollywood. She was called the "Russian tigress" and was considered one of the most beautiful actresses.
Anna Skidanova
- "The Woman in Gold", "Hercules", "Catherine", "Christie"
Anna was brought to Hollywood by a lucky break - thanks to a friend's request, the actress accidentally met the famous producer Harvey Weinstein. She did not hesitate to ask him for a small role, and Harvey invited her to a small episode in "Scary Movie - 5". Skidanova was noticed and called for more serious roles. In one of her interviews, Anna admitted that the film business in the States is staged much more professionally than in Russia, but there is still a lot of Russian soulfulness on the set.
Igor Zhizhikin
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Spy, Target, Black Mark
The story of actor Igor Zhizhikin is like a fairy tale. He came to America in 1991, touring with the circus, where he worked as a gymnast. The circus went bankrupt, and the artists were left without work. He had to starve and grab onto any job. Over time, the former gymnast began to be taken to dance shows and musicals, and after participating in Clint Eastwood's film "Bloody Job" Zhizhikin woke up famous. Steven Spielberg himself called our compatriot one of the best in the role of "bad guy" in the modern film industry.
Grigory Dobrygin
- "Black Lightning", "Territory", "The Most Dangerous Man", "The Same Traitor as We Are"
The actor became popular in Russia after his second project - the comedy "Black Lightning". After the film with his participation "How I Spent This Summer" was shown at the Berlin Film Festival, the doors to the great world cinema opened for the actor. British, German and American directors began to invite him. At the moment, one of the most successful projects of the actor can be considered the film "Wanted", directed by Anton Corbijn. Dobrygin's partners in the film were Willem Dafoe, Robin Wright and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Yuri Kolokolnikov
- State Counselor, Game of Thrones, Hitman's Bodyguard, Stratton: First Mission
A graduate of the Shchukin School did not succeed in successfully storming Hollywood the first time - he starred in several films, but there was no question of particular popularity. He returned to Russia, where he continued to play in domestic serials. However, the actor's persistence was crowned with success. Not many famous actors who starred in Hollywood managed to get a role in the super popular TV series "Game of Thrones", but Kolokolnikov did. Now Yuri works on both sides of the ocean, and his name can be seen both in the credits of Russian and foreign projects.
Mila Kunis
- "Black Swan", "Friendship Sex", "The Book of Eli", "Gia"
In fact, the beautiful actress is our compatriot - Mila was born in Chernivtsi, and moved to America only at the age of 8. The actress starred in TV series for a long time. The real success awaited her after the Oscar-winning "Black Swan". Kunis was not only able to become a sought-after actress, but also to take her husband away from the famous Demi Moore. In 2017, Mila decided to show her starry spouse Ashton Kutcher her native place and came to Chernivtsi on a one-day visit.
Savely Kramarov
- "Gentlemen of Fortune", "Moscow on the Hudson", The Elusive Avengers "," Tango and Cash "
Kramarov is remembered by Soviet and Russian viewers of all ages. However, not many people know that the popularly beloved actor was forced to move to America due to the fact that he was no longer filmed in the USSR because of his Jewish roots. Hollywood accepted the actor. He could not become as popular as in his homeland, but he was taken into successful paintings. Robin Williams, Helen Mirren and Arnold Schwarzenegger became his partners. The excellent actor did not manage, however, to play the main role in a Hollywood film - he was prevented by illness. The actor was diagnosed with oncology, and soon Kramarov died.
Konstantin Khabensky
- "Method", "Night Watch", "Especially Dangerous", "Heavenly Judgment"
Khabensky's first Hollywood project was the action movie "Wanted", in which Konstantin was invited by his compatriot Timur Bekmambetov. His blockbuster partners were James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie. The films Rasputin, Black Sea and Bradd Pitt's War of the Z worlds followed. Despite the demand and recognition in the West, Konstantin was and remains a Russian actor, and Khabensky speaks of his foreign roles and star acquaintances with his usual modesty.
Milla Jovovich
- "The Fifth Element", "Chaplin", "Resident Evil", "Return to the Blue Lagoon"
Once upon a time the emigrant Milla was bullied by her peers for her pronunciation, now the whole world knows about her. She played Zhanna d'Arc and Leela in the acclaimed "Fifth Element", but she did not stop repeating that deep down she remains Russian. She advertises the leading cosmetic and fashion brands, but does not forget about Russia. For example, Jovovich agreed to support the national cinema and without further hesitation starred in the Russian comedy "Freaks".
Elena Solovey
- "You never dreamed of ...", "Unfinished Piece for Mechanical Piano", "Fatal Passion", "Masters of the Night"
The actress was in great demand at home, but after the collapse of the USSR, she decided to emigrate to the United States. Elena thought that in America there was no place for her talent and wanted to become a housewife. But you can't get away from yourself, and after a while the Nightingale began to appear first in theatrical performances in Brighton, and then in films. Now, in addition to filming, our talented compatriot teaches acting at New York University and hosts a radio program dedicated to the classics of Russian literature.
Mikhail Gorevoy
- "House of the Sun", "The Hitman's Bodyguard", "Mother Forever", "Unforgiven"
Russian viewers know Mikhail for his roles in popular TV shows, but Gorevoy has long been not the last figure in Hollywood show business. The actor has starred in such successful Hollywood films as "Die Another Day" and "Spy Bridge" by Steven Spielberg. Mikhail is proud that the eminent director himself invited him to participate in the project, and in the action movie "Hunter Killer" Gary Oldman and Gerard Butler became his partners.
Alexander Godunov
- "Die Hard", "June 31", "Prorva", "Wax Museum 2"
Godunov was originally a ballet dancer. During his foreign tours, the actor decided not to return to the USSR. This decision allowed him to become a successful actor in Hollywood, but forever took away his wife, who remained in the Union. He managed to play with such eminent actors as Harrison Ford, Bruce Willis and Tom Hanks. His role as the villainous psychopath in Die Hard is familiar to audiences the world over. He could have played many more striking characters, if not for the sudden death in 1995 from hepatitis, which Godunov did not even know about.
Natalia Andreichenko
- Mary Poppins, Goodbye, Down House, NYPD, Dr. Queen: The Woman Doctor
Everyone's beloved Mary Poppins left the USSR for the sake of great love. She married Oscar-winning director and actor Maximilian Schell. The actress wanted to become famous in America, but her husband believed that in family life he should be a star, and the wife should take care of everyday life. Andreichenko starred in American TV series only with the permission of her husband and in films shot by her star spouse. After her divorce from Shell, Andreichenko returned to Russia, where she continued her film career.
Yulia Snigir
- "The Last Slaughter", "New Pope", "Bloody Lady", "Frostbite"
In Russia, the actress and model Yulia Snigir mainly got the roles of simpletons and modest girls. The fifth part of Die Hard, where Bruce Willis became her partner on the set, helped the young actress to reveal her potential. Julia admits that she was happy when she found out that she auditioned for the role. Despite the fact that the film did not become as successful as the previous parts, it opened new horizons for Julia. Of the latest striking works of our compatriot, it is worth highlighting the popular TV series "New Dad", where the actress is filming with Jude Law and John Malkovich.
Oleg Vidov
- "Ordinary Miracle", "Criminal Minds", "Spy", "Wild Orchid"
Among our actors who conquered Hollywood is the famous handsome man from Soviet films, Oleg Vidov. He was simply adored by Soviet women. But, as you know, there is only one step from love to hate, and the hatred of just one woman - his wife, forced the actor to flee the country. Former father-in-law, a KGB officer, put an end to Vidov's career. When Oleg ended up in Hollywood, he was interrupted by odd jobs. But after the first tests, he did not have to prove anything to the directors for a long time - they immediately appreciated his talent. The actor starred in popular TV series and films, and, in addition, Vidov proved himself to be an excellent producer. The actor is buried in Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Olga Kurilenko
- "Paris, I Love You", "Seven Psychopaths", "Dangerous Secrets", "Quantum of Solace"
The Ukrainian beauty was a model, but she always dreamed of becoming an actress. Could a simple girl from Berdyansk dream of conquering not only the domestic open spaces of show business, but also Hollywood? However, Olga was able to do it. Now Olga has more than forty films by French and American directors on her account. She captivated the audience with her role in the film almanac "Paris, I love you", where she played with Elijah Wood, and after that her popularity is gaining momentum every year. She plays in thrillers and comedies, dramas and detective stories, and all her heroines are bright and memorable women.
Ingeborga Dapkunaite
- Burnt by the Sun, Seven Years in Tibet, Hannibal: Ascent, Insomnia
For many years Ingeborg has managed to balance between Russia and Hollywood. Her projects on both sides of the ocean are successful, and her acting portfolio is the envy of any actor. She became a real favorite of the audience after filming in the Oscar-winning "Burnt by the Sun", and it was they who opened the doors to American cinema for her. Almost immediately after the success of Mikhalkov's film, she was invited to appear with Tom Cruise in the action movie Mission Impossible. The actress is still in demand in Hollywood and starred in popular TV series and films.
Vladimir Mashkov
- Mission Impossible: Phantom Protocol, Assassination, American Rhapsody, Enemy Lines
The Russian actor got interested in American filmmakers after the release of The Thief. From that moment on, Mashkov was regularly invited to Hollywood films and TV shows. In addition to playing with such Hollywood stars as Tom Cruise, Nastassja Kinski, Jennifer Garner and Daryl Hannah, he is also a member of the Hollywood Actors Guild. This means that his fee for participation in the project should not be less than a million dollars.
Ilya Baskin
- "The Name of the Rose", "Angels and Demons", "Detective Rush", "Heartbreakers"
At the end of our photo-list of Russian actors who conquered Hollywood, one of the most sought-after compatriots in the world of cinema, Ilya Baskin. It is removed because of its excellent texture, considering it "typical Russian". His roles are secondary, but always recognizable. He starred in box-office projects and fashion series - the directors say: "We need to find an actor who will play the Russian" and immediately take on the role of Baskin. Over the long years of his life in America, Ilya helped many Russian actors find their niche in America, and Baskin himself starred in almost a hundred different projects.
