Soviet Actresses Who Played Teachers: A Tumultuous Journey
In the cinema, they portrayed as educators, yet in reality, they indulged in alcohol and lost their sanity.
Got nostalgia for Soviet films? We sure do! Even now, we can't help but revisit those classics and share them with our kids. No one can deny, the Soviet era was the golden age of our cinema, giving rise to an array of stars who've etched their names in history. But for some, fame didn't always equate to a worry-free life. Here's a glimpse into the lives of three actresses who played teachers on screen, but fate had other plans.
Irina Pechernikova - "We'll Make It to Monday" (1968)
Irina Pechernikova gave it her all, racking up an impressive list of theater and film credits. Yet, it was her portrayal of an English teacher in "We'll Make It to Monday" that won her the hearts of the audience. Party invitations followed, but in the '90s, she mysteriously dropped off the radar.
Fun Fact: After struggling with mental health issues, Irina Pechernikova had to undergo treatment in a clinic and even found love with her future husband, actor Alexander Solovyov. Unfortunately, her marriage ended in tragedy as Solovyov passed away, leading to another breakdown for Pechernikova who moved to the countryside. She lived a life shrouded in solitude and passed away at the age of 74.
Nina Ivanova - "Spring on Zarechnaya Street" (1956)
Finding the perfect teacher, Marlen Khutsiev's dilemma came to an end when untrained but talented Nina Ivanova walked in for her audition. She brought the character to life, and captured the hearts of the audience. Fashion trends even started to follow her hairdo! However, the fame didn't last, and Ivanova was left with few notable roles. She briefly worked as an assistant director, but eventually left the film industry for good.
Insight: In her retirement, Nina Ivanova lived reclusively, avoiding contact with journalists. She passed away at the age of 86, her potential largely unrealized.
Natalia Bogunova - "Big Change" (1973)
An experienced actress, Natalia Bogunova was already a graduate of VGIK when she took on the role of a teacher in "Big Change." Despite the film's success, Bogunova found the shootings particularly challenging, and her personal life was far from tranquil. She struggled with her relationship with her mother, which led to her eventual breakdown and diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Did You Know? After a year-long isolation, Bogunova seemed to be recovering and even went on vacation. Tragically, she suffered a heart attack while in Crete. She left us at the age of 65.
Bonus Track:
Ever wondered what Olga Buzova and "Diskoteka Avariya" have in common? Check out their latest jam "Strana Aleniya," featuring a dozen hits revisited.
- Irina Pechernikova's career flourished, earning her numerous theater and film credits, most notably her role as an English teacher in "We'll Make It to Monday".
- In the '90s, the radiant Irina Pechernikova, despite struggling with mental health issues, found love with fellow actor Alexander Solovyov, but their marriage ended in heartbreak.
- Nina Ivanova, despite being untrained, was handpicked for the role of a teacher in "Spring on Zarechnaya Street", and her fashion sense started trends among viewers.
- Natalia Bogunova, despite finding success in "Big Change" and being a VGIK graduate, faced personal challenges, including a strained relationship with her mother and a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
- Olga Buzova and "Diskoteka Avariya" share a connection, as seen in their latest collaboration "Strana Aleniya", a blend of popular hits revisited.
