Glikeriya Bogdanova-Chesnokova, a celebrated Russian entertainer, left an indelible mark on the world of comedy, dance, and music, effortlessly charming audiences with her sidesplitting wit, comedic facial expressions, and effortless flair for the dramatic. Born Glikeria (Lika) Vasilevna Bogdanova on May 16, 1904, in Russia, she embodied a rich cultural heritage, being of mixed Ukrainian and Siberian Cossack descent.
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As a precocious and imaginative young girl, she spent her formative years at the esteemed Gymnasium in St. Petersburg, where she nurtured a profound passion for the performing arts, often accompanying her mother to the illustrious Mariinsky Opera to witness the grandeur of the stage and the majesty of the music.
Years later, as the tumultuous events of 1917 unfolded, she found herself swept up in the fervor of revolution, her youthful enthusiasm and idealism drawing her to the throngs of protesters as they marched towards the imposing Winter Palace, intent on storming the stronghold of the Tsar's regime and ushering in a new era of freedom and equality.
From the year 1919 to 1922, she embarked on an educational journey to hone her acting skills at the prestigious Academic School of Russian Drama, situated within the esteemed walls of the Aleksandrinsky Theatre, now rebranded as the Pushkin Theatre, located in the culturally rich city of St. Petersburg.
During this period, she not only dedicated herself to mastering the art of acting, but also simultaneously pursued a range of additional disciplines, including comedy, vocal, and dance, alongside some of the most renowned actors of the time, such as the illustrious Nikolay Cherkasov and the talented Yuri Tolubeev.
This comprehensive training program allowed her to develop a well-rounded understanding of the craft, equipping her with the skills and expertise necessary to excel in her future endeavors as a performer.
In the year 1920, prior to completing her academic pursuits, she embarked on a remarkable journey by making her stage debut as the captivating character of Lucille in Molière's esteemed theatrical production of 'Le bourgeois gentilhomme' on the esteemed Aleksandrinsky stage, a milestone that marked the beginning of her illustrious career.
Throughout her tenure at the renowned Aleksandrinsky Theatre, she evolved into a permanent and integral member of the troupe, sharing the spotlight with her husband, a multifaceted actor and director of great talent, Dmitri Vasilchikov, and welcoming a daughter, Lidia, into her life, a cherished addition that brought immense joy and fulfillment to her personal and professional journey.
Between the years of 1924 and 1930, she embarked on a remarkable journey, collaborating with her husband's esteemed touring troupe, and subsequently, she had the privilege of performing at the renowned Kharkov State Theatre of Musical Comedy.
During the 1930s, Lika embarked on a remarkable journey, collaborating with the illustrious Leonid Utyosov and his renowned "Tea-Jazz" Big Band at the esteemed Leningrad Music Hall, where she showcased her exceptional talents in a plethora of performances, thereby contributing significantly to her professional and personal development.
Maestro Utyosov, a discerning critic and mentor, was effusive in his praise, acknowledging her extraordinary ability to captivate audiences with her captivating facial expressions, which could elicit laughter and amusement even without the need for elaborate dance routines.
She embarked upon a multifaceted artistic journey, which included a stint with the esteemed Leningrad Theatre of Miniatures, where she had the privilege of working under the visionary guidance of the illustrious Arkady Raykin.
Meanwhile, she made her cinematic debut in the 1941 film "Spring Song", albeit in a non-credited role, playing the part of a captivating cabaret actress who brought a touch of glamour and sophistication to the big screen.
Bogdanova-Chesnokova's remarkable artistic endeavors during World War II were characterized by an extraordinary commitment to entertaining the troops who bravely defended the besieged city of Leningrad. With unrelenting dedication, she delivered an astonishing number of concerts, totaling approximately three thousand, often performing three or four full shows daily in an effort to bring solace and joy to those fighting for their country.
Throughout this tumultuous period, Bogdanova-Chesnokova collaborated with a talented group of actors, forming a small yet dynamic troupe that was constantly on the move, traversing the treacherous front lines in order to bring entertainment and inspiration to the wounded veterans in hospitals.
One fateful evening, amidst a live performance, the Nazis launched a devastating aerial bombing assault, prompting Bogdanova-Chesnokova's troupe to make a desperate attempt to flee in a truck. Unfortunately, the driver tragically lost his life in the chaos, leaving the group in a precarious situation. In a moment of extraordinary bravery and quick thinking, Bogdanova-Chesnokova, who had never operated a motor vehicle prior to this event, seized the opportunity to take the wheel and steer the truck to safety, thereby guaranteeing the survival of her fellow actors. This remarkable feat of valor earned her the prestigious Order of the Red Banner, a testament to her unwavering courage and selflessness in the face of imminent danger.
From 1945 to 1983, Natalia Makarova remained a stalwart and integral part of the esteemed troupe at the renowned Musical Comedy theatre in St. Petersburg, formerly known as Leningrad, where she honed her craft and delighted audiences with her captivating performances in a plethora of classic musical comedies.
Throughout her illustrious career, Makarova left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, captivating the hearts of many with her memorable on-screen presence in a diverse array of films, including the 1955 cinematic gem "Tiger Girl", the 1958 cult classic "Mister Iks", and the 1971 comedy masterpiece "Twelve Chairs".
Noted Soviet actress, Bogdanova-Chesnokova, was a recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honors, her illustrious career spanning multiple decades. Among her many accolades, she was bestowed the esteemed Order of the Red Banner, a symbol of her outstanding contributions to the world of acting.
In recognition of her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft, Bogdanova-Chesnokova was designated as an Honorable Actor of Russia in 1965, followed by the prestigious title of People's Actor of Russia in 1970. Additionally, she was awarded the State Prize of the USSR, a testament to her unparalleled skill and artistry.
Tragically, Bogdanova-Chesnokova's life was cut short on April 17, 1983. She was laid to rest in the Necropolis of Masters of Arts in St. Petersburg, Russia, a final resting place befitting her status as a legendary figure in the world of Russian cinema.
Born: Not mentioned in the provided text.
Died: April 17, 1983.
Buried: Necropolis of Masters of Arts, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Notable Awards:
* Order of the Red Banner
* Honorable Actor of Russia (1965)
* People's Actor of Russia (1970)
* State Prize of the USSR
