Born in 1944 in Kazakhstan, he emerged as a prominent Soviet and Russian actor known for his charismatic presence and versatility. He gained fame with his role in "The Shield and the Sword" (1968), and became a beloved figure through films like "An Ordinary Miracle" (1978) and "Flights in Dreams and Reality" (1983). His career spanned over four decades, earning numerous awards including the People's Artist of the USSR. He passed away in 2009, leaving a lasting legacy in Russian cinema.