On December 19, 2024, the beloved Russian actress Anastasia Vertinskaya celebrates her 80th birthday, marking eight decades of life and extraordinary contributions to cinema. Known for her iconic roles during the Soviet era, she has left her indelible mark on film and stage, becoming one of the most celebrated names of her generation.
Anastasia was born on December 19, 1944, the daughter of the famed artist Alexander Vertinsky and actress Lidia Tsirgvavadze. This cultural lineage shaped her upbringing, immersing her from childhood in the world of art and performance. Despite her initial aspirations of becoming a ballerina, her fate transformed dramatically when she secured her first film role at age 16, effortlessly captivating audiences as Assol in the adaptation of Alexander Grin's "Scarlet Sails." The film not only marked her debut but launched her to stardom, establishing her as one of the icons of the period.
Reflecting back on her rise to fame, Anastasia’s sister, Marianna Vertinskaya, shared insights with MSK1.RU, describing how their family dynamic influenced their artistic paths and personal lives. "Anastasia is incredibly close to me, and our bond has deep roots, not solely due to our family but also our shared passion for acting. We have always supported each other, regardless of our individual successes," Marianna revealed. Despite celebrating significant achievements, Anastasia has remained humble, often shying away from the spotlight. Marianna noted, "She prefers to live privately, away from the public eye, and her birthday will be no exception. There won’t be any large festivities—just family. She has always struggled with fame; it never came easy to her."
The successful streak continued with her notable role as Gutierre in the cinematic masterpiece "The Amphibian Man" (1961), which captivated viewers and helped solidify her place among the legends of Soviet cinema. Her portrayal of Ophelia alongside the acclaimed actor Innokenty Smoktunovsky in Grigory Kozintsev's "Hamlet" would later earn her international acclaim, drawing comparisons to Vivien Leigh. Her involvement in such distinguished projects during the era of the Thaw not only showcased her stellar talents but also illustrated her ability to navigate diverse roles with ease.
Anastasia’s transition from film to the theatre was seamless. She graced various esteemed theaters across Russia and even ventured beyond acting due to her tireless dedication to preserving her father’s legacy. Marianna added, "Anastasia has worked tirelessly to restore my father’s recordings and organize exhibitions featuring his work, steps she believes are necessary to honor his memory since he would have been proud of her achievements." Their father's significant influence continues to resonate, as he imbued her with creativity and ethics, leaving behind foundational values she still carries.
While some parts of her life have been marked by loneliness, including two divorces and the challenges of balancing family life with her career, Anastasia has found solace and satisfaction within her roles as mother and grandmother. The complexity of her relationships, including with famous director Nikita Mikhalkov, yields more lessons than regrets. She regards her son, Stepan, as her greatest source of joy and pride, actively participating and contributing to his restaurant business.
While Anastasia has lightened her film commitments dramatically over the years, she has continued to engage with theatre and enjoys mentoring upcoming artists. Her ideas about the industry, encapsulated by her belief, "An artist must evolve, or they fade away," reflect her commitment not only to her craft but also to nurturing future generations.
To honor her illustrious career spanning more than five decades, the Moscow Film Channel has planned airings of her most iconic films on her birthday, allowing both existing fans and younger audiences to appreciate her talent. Films like "War and Peace" (1967) featuring her portrayal of Lizaveta Bolkonskaya and "Scarlet Sails" (1961) will be highlighted during this special retrospective, ensuring her story and legacy continue to inspire all who watch.
Throughout her illustrious career, Vertsinskaya has garnered numerous accolades. Recently, Valentina Matviyenko, the Chairperson of the Federation Council, praised the actress's contributions to the arts and her philanthropic work benefiting both performers and the arts. Matviyenko emphasized, "Anastasia Vertinskaya’s influence rests not only on the silver screen but also on her unwavering commitment to the artistic community, making her one of the most revered talents today."
While this monumental birthday passes, it is evident Anastasia's legacy lives on through her impactful performances, her dedication to her family, and her commitment to altruism within the cultural community. She has, without question, set the foundations for modern Russian cinema, continually inspiring new generations of artists as she remains, to many, the quintessential symbol of grace and talent.
