Born in 1920 in Kherson, Ukraine, he became a prominent Soviet actor known for his collaboration with director Andrei Tarkovsky. His career began in the 1950s, and he appeared in over 100 films. Notable works include roles in "Ivan's Childhood," "Andrei Rublev," "Solaris," and "Stalker." His performances were characterized by depth and subtlety, often portraying introspective and philosophical characters. He passed away in 1989, leaving a lasting impact on Soviet and international cinema.