Yevgeny Leonov facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yevgeny Leonov
Postage stamp devoted to Leonov (2001)
Born	Yevgeny Pavlovich Leonov (1926-09-02)2 September 1926 Moscow, RSFSR, Soviet Union
Died	29 January 1994(1994-01-29) (aged 67) Moscow, Russia
Resting place	Novodevichy Cemetery, Moscow
Alma mater	Moscow Art Theatre
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1947–1994
Title	People's Artist of the USSR (1978)
Spouse(s)	Vanda Stoilova
Children	Andrei Leonov
Parent(s)	Pavel Vasilyevich Leonov Anna Ilyinichna Leonova
Awards	Order of Lenin

Yevgeny Pavlovich Leonov (Russian: Евгений Павлович Леонов; born September 2, 1926 – died January 29, 1994) was a very popular actor from the Soviet Union and Russia. He starred in many famous Soviet films, like Gentlemen of Fortune, Mimino, and Striped Trip. People called him "one of Russia's best-loved actors." He was also the voice for many cartoon characters, including Vinny Pukh, the Russian version of Winnie-the-Pooh.

Early Life and Dreams

Yevgeny Leonov grew up in a regular family in Moscow. When he was a boy, he dreamed of becoming a pilot for war planes. This was a common dream for many boys during World War II. His father worked in an airplane factory, which might have inspired him. During the Great Patriotic War, Yevgeny and his family worked in a factory that made weapons and airplane parts. After the war, he went to the Moscow Art Theatre school to study acting.

Acting Career Highlights

Yevgeny Leonov started his film career as an extra, meaning he had a very small, uncredited role. But he soon became a favorite actor for director Georgiy Daneliya. He appeared in many of Daneliya's movies, such as Gentlemen of Fortune, Autumn Marathon, Mimino, Afonya, and Kin-dza-dza!.

Leonov was known for his unique look: he was short and round, with very expressive eyes and a friendly face. His movements were slow, and he spoke with a slight slur. These features made him perfect for the funny roles he often played. However, he was also praised for his serious and sad roles. Other actors sometimes found it hard to act with Leonov because his natural style made their acting seem less real.

Famous Roles and Recognition

Even a short appearance by Leonov could make a big impact. In the film Autumn Marathon (1980), which was very popular, he won the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival. In this movie, Leonov played a funny, curious man who loved to talk a lot.

He also helped make films like Gentlemen of Fortune and Belorussian Station (both from 1971) into classics. These movies are still shown often on television in Russia. Many people compared Leonov to the famous French actor Fernandel because of his widespread appeal. Yevgeny Leonov acted in over 200 roles and was known as one of the best supporting actors in Russian cinema.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1991, while touring in Germany, Yevgeny Leonov had a serious heart attack. He was in a coma for several days, but after a major surgery, he recovered. He soon returned to acting on stage at the Lenkom Theatre.

Yevgeny Leonov passed away on January 29, 1994. He was on his way to the Lenkom Theatre to perform in a play called The Prayer for the Dead. When the audience at the theatre heard about his death, they went to a church nearby and lit candles to remember him. More than half a million people came out in very cold weather for his memorial service. He is buried in Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow, where many other important Russian cultural figures are laid to rest.

Filmography

Yevgeny Leonov acted in many films and also lent his voice to several animated characters.

Actor Roles

Voice Actor Roles

• Winnie-the-Pooh
• Winnie-the-Pooh Pays a Visit
• Winnie-the-Pooh and a Busy Day
• Vasilisa the Beautiful
• The Adventures of Lolo the Penguin
• Welcome
• Laughter and Grief by the White Sea

Images for kids

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  A robot image