Evgeni Pavlovich Leonov, a renowned Russian actor, was born on September 2, 1926, in Moscow, Russia, USSR. As the second son in the family, Leonov's early life was marked by the invasion of Nazi Armies during World War II, which interrupted his school studies. He became a metal-worker, worked in the aviation industry, and studied at Moscow Aviation Technical School, where he began amateur acting at the students' club.
In 1943, Leonov decided to pursue a career in acting and borrowed a coat from his brother to take an entrance exam at the Moscow State Theatre Studio. Despite initially being rejected, his witty response to the examiners' request for an impromptu performance earned him a spot in the drama class. He continued his day job as an industrial worker while studying acting at night, graduating in 1947.
Leonov's early career was marked by small roles and working as an extra at Mosfilm. His breakthrough came in 1955 with a supporting role in 'Delo Rumyantseva'. He went on to play a wide range of leading and supporting roles in over 60 films, earning him the State Prize of the USSR, the title of People's Actor of USSR, and numerous decorations.
As one of the leading comedians in Russian cinema, Leonov is best known for his roles in films such as 'Striped Trip', 'Gentlemen of Fortune', 'Kin-dza-dza!', 'Mimino', and 'Osenniy marafon'. He also demonstrated his range in dramas and period films like 'Belorussky Station' and 'Tchaikovsky'.
Leonov's stage career spanned over 50 years, with notable performances at the Moscow Lenkom Theatre under the direction of Mark Zakharov. He was a permanent member of the troupe from 1974 to 1994, working alongside notable Russian actors such as Inna Churikova, Leonid Bronevoy, and Oleg Yankovskiy.
Outside of his entertainment career, Leonov was a connoisseur of fine art, collecting Russian landscape paintings and graphics, as well as Russian period furniture and antiques. His home in Moscow resembled a museum of Russian art, which he enjoyed sharing with friends and guests. Leonov was also a gourmet and a devoted husband and father, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actor, a passionate collector, and a loving family man.
Evgeni Leonov passed away on January 29, 1994, due to a heart attack, and was laid to rest in the Novodevichy Convent Cemetery in Moscow, Russia.
