Larisa Kadochnikova

1. Larisa Valentynivna Kadochnikova
2. Date of birth – August 30, 1937
3. Place of birth – Moscow
4. Activities – theater and film actress, artist, film director

Becoming an artist

Larisa Kadochnikova – Ukrainian theater and film actress, People's Artist of Ukraine, laureate of the National Prize named after T. G. Shevchenko. The future star of the big stage was born into a family of artists. Father Valentin Kadochnikov was an artist and director. And mother, Nina Alisova, was an actress originally from Kyiv. So the family always had close ties with the world of creativity and culture.

One of the actress's first childhood memories was the events of World War II. Larisa lived in Kyiv with her mother and older brother Vadim. Her mother, who worked at a film studio, was sent to Central Asia for filming. The children stayed with their grandmother, who later took her grandchildren out of the occupied city. The family took a week to get to Ashgabat by train. It was a difficult period – with minimal food, constant difficulties. The family spent two years in evacuation. When Larisa was five, the girl lost her father.

Larisa and Vadim's childhood was spent in an atmosphere of creativity among familiar actors, directors, and artists. The actress's brother would choose the profession of a cinematographer in the future. Larisa herself did not plan to connect her fate with the theater or the film industry at all. However, things turned out differently: the girl went to take the exams at the theater institute simply for the company of a friend. And although her friend did not pass, Kadochnikova unexpectedly even for herself entered the institute of cinematography. And this was in the face of incredibly high competition (a thousand applicants for one place).

Creative path

Larisa Kadochnikova's debut took place during her student years. The actress starred in the film "Vasily Surikov." However, the work did not bring the actress popularity and recognition from a wide audience. And after completing her studies at the institute, the graduate was lucky enough to receive an invitation to work in the troupe of the popular theater "Contemporary".

Larisa Kadochnikova gained worldwide recognition and the status of an icon of Ukrainian poetic cinema thanks to her leading role in Sergei Parajanov's legendary film "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors". The film was based on the story of the same name by Mikhail Kotsiubynsky. It was her participation in this project that became a turning point in Kadochnikova's career. In 1963, the actress left her job at the Moscow theater and moved to Ukraine.

The role of Marichka went to Larisa Kadochnikova instantly. Everything was decided with one look. As soon as the director saw the girl, he immediately understood: in front of him was Marichka! Thus, the actress became a real star and part of a film legend. The film immediately won the hearts of film fans. In the first year alone, the film was seen by more than 8.5 million people. At world film festivals, the film received more than 100 international awards.

The style and development of the actress

In 1964, cooperation with the creative team of the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theater began. For more than 60 years, Larisa Kadochnikova has never regretted her choice. The actress emphasizes: she always goes to work with joy. The actress's repertoire includes more than 50 bright roles in such performances as:

1. "Interview in Buenos Aires";
2. “The Importance of Being Earnest”;
3. “Othello”;
4. “Sacred Monsters”;
5. “Breakfast with Strangers”;
6. “The House Where Everything Is Upside Down”;
7. “Little Angel, or the Sexual Neuroses of Our Parents”;
8. “A Mixture of Heaven and the Barracks”;
9. “Music of Love. Benefit of Larisa Kadochnikova”;
10. “Solo for Percussion…” and others.

The images created by Larisa Kadochnikova are distinguished by the depth of psychologism,elegance and inner drama. Her heroines often have a complex, multi-layered inner world. And it is revealed not only through words, but primarily through looks, plasticity, intonations and silence (because it can be incredibly eloquent). The actress has a subtle sense of nuances and the ability to convey emotional transitions at the level of barely noticeable changes in the character's behavior.

Kadochnikova's special style lies in her poetic acting manner. The artist's play is a synthesis of sensuality and intelligence, emotional sincerity and deep work on the role. Larisa Valentynivna always brought something personal, unique to each image. At the same time, she did not strive for external spectacularity, but for truthfulness and organicity.

The Talent of an Artist

Few people realize that in addition to her recognized acting career, Larisa Kadochnikova has another creative face - an artist. Painting and graphics have always been a special passion of the theater star. Personal exhibitions were held not only in Kyiv, but also abroad. In particular, in Germany and Sweden. Kadochnikova considers her drawing abilities hereditary. Her father had a talent for fine arts. So, presumably, the talent was passed on to the actress from him.

According to Kadochnikova herself, drawing became her second calling, which she discovered over the years. About twenty of the artist's paintings were purchased in Stockholm. Several more found their owners in Kyiv. The actress admits: realizing herself in something other than her main profession is a special happiness. According to the actress, theater and cinema are a constant dependence: on the director, partners, rehearsal process, financing. An artist is a self-sufficient creator, free in his imagination and self-expression. And it is this freedom that is priceless for Larisa Valentinovna.

The actress's filmography

Larisa Kadochnikova has starred in dozens of films and television projects. Among them:

1. “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors”;
2. “The Sea”;
3. «The Story of One Love»;
4. «Seventh Heaven»;
5. «Flight of the Butterfly»;
6. «Gunpowder and Shot»;
7. «Turkish Transit»;
8. “Officers' Squads” and others.

After the start of the full-scale invasion, Larysa Kadochnikova found herself at the center of attention of Dmitry Tomashpolsky's new documentary “Larysa Kadochnikova. War”. The film was an attempt to capture the profound transformations that Kyiv and representatives of the artistic community experienced after February 24, 2022.

The film tells not only about the actress, but also about entire layers of cultural life that are changing under the pressure of war. The project was created in collaboration with musician Oleg Mykhailiuta (Fagot), well-known art historian and professor Vadym Skuratovsky, film critic and writer Serhiy Trymbach. The collector and philanthropist Oleksandr Brey joined the work. Together, the film's characters formed a mosaic of views and experiences of people who remained in Kyiv to fight for culture, memory, and true values.

Awards and distinctions:

1. National Prize named after T. G. Shevchenko;
2. title of "People's Artist of Ukraine";
3. "Kyiv Pectoral" (categories "Best Performance by an Actress" and "Outstanding Contribution to Theater Art");
4. Order of Merit, 3rd degree;
5. Order of Merit, 2nd degree;
6. All-Ukrainian Award "Woman of the 3rd Millennium" (in the nomination "Iconic Figure");
7. Order of Merit, 1st degree;
8. The First National Film Award "Golden Spinning Top".

Interesting facts about the artist: