Elena Solovey is a renowned Russian-American film and stage actress, best recognized for her collaborations with the acclaimed director Nikita Mikhalkov.
Born Elena Yakovlevna Solovey on February 24, 1947, in Neustrelitz, East Germany, she spent her early years in Germany before relocating to Novosibirsk, Siberian Russia, and eventually Moscow.
Solovey's passion for acting led her to pursue a career in the arts, attending a school of music in addition to her high school education. Although she initially failed to secure admission to the Soviet State Institute of Cinema (VGIK),she remained determined and was eventually accepted into the institution, graduating in 1970 as an actress.
As a VGIK student, Solovey made her film debut in short films during the 1960s. Her breakthrough role came in 1969, playing Clarice in Korol-olen (1970),followed by her first serious role in 1970 as Nina in "The Seagull" by Chekhov.
Solovey's subsequent roles in the 1970s cemented her status as a prominent actress, including her portrayal of Olga Vosnesenskaya in A Slave of Love (1976),Sofia in Unfinished Piece for the Player Piano (1977),and Olga in A Few Days from the Life of I.I. Oblomov (1980),all directed by Nikita Mikhalkov.
In the 1980s, Solovey became a member of the troupe at Theatre of Lensoveta in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she appeared in leading and supporting roles in Russian and international productions. Her last stage performance in St. Petersburg was in the acclaimed production of "Foto-finish" directed by Peter Ustinov.
In 1991, Solovey emigrated from Russia, settling in New Jersey with her husband, children, and granddaughter. She continued to work in Russian films, radio, and stage productions, including the "Bluzhdayushchie zvezdy" troupe at the Russian area of Brighton Beach.
Solovey's numerous accolades include being designated People's Actor of Russia. Since the 1990s, she has been teaching children of Russian emigrants at the "Etude" acting school in New Jersey, USA.
Her most recent notable role was as Kalina in the 2007 criminal drama We Own the Night, about the Russian mafia.
