Vladimir Andreev is a renowned Soviet and Russian theater and film actor, theater director, and teacher, holding the prestigious title of Honored Artist of the Russian SFSR. Born and raised near the center of Moscow, he grew up in a family that resided on Bolshaya Spasskaya. From a young age, he demonstrated a passion for the performing arts, attending drama school where he studied under the guidance of Rolan Bykov, with whom he formed a lasting friendship.
Despite his tender age, Andreev began working early, taking on agricultural work during summer holidays at the age of 14, and subsequently, after classes, he worked at a factory during the war years. After completing his education, he decided to pursue his dream of attending theater school. His first teacher was the renowned actress Varvara Ryzhova, who taught at the Malyy Theater, and thanks to his mother's intervention, he was able to meet her and receive guidance on entering a theater university.
In 1952, Andreev graduated from the State Institute of Theater Arts named after Anatoli Lunacharsky, and since then, he has dedicated his career to the world of theater and film. He began serving at the Theater of Ermolova in 1952, where he would go on to hold various positions, including chief director from 1970 to 1985 and artistic director from 1990 to 2012. Additionally, he served as chief director of the Malyy Theater from 1985 to 1988 and organizer, chief director, and artistic director of the Test Studio Theater from 1987 to 1989.
Andreev made his screen debut in 1954 in the film Problem Child, and his first leading role came in 1955, playing Mitya Lastochkin in the comedy Good Morning. He continued to make a name for himself in film, starring in the fairy tale film The Tale of Tsar Saltan in 1967, directed by Aleksandr Ptushko, in which he played the title role of Tsar Saltan.
Beyond his accomplishments as an actor and director, Andreev is also recognized for his expertise as a teacher. He taught at GITIS, serving as artistic director of the course, head of the acting department since 1972, and professor of the directing department since 1978. Furthermore, he has written numerous articles on the theory and practice of acting, as well as essays on his memories of creativity, teachers, theater, and cinema.
