On March 18, 2025, Russian actor Ivan Kolesnikov celebrates his 42nd birthday, marking over two decades of dedication to the arts. Renowned for his leading role as Colonel Yuri Bragin in the hit series The First Department, Kolesnikov has captured the hearts of millions with his talent and commitment to storytelling.
Kolesnikov's career has been anything but typical. Born in Moscow to artistic parents—his father Sergei was a notable actor and his mother Maria Velikanova, an artist—he grew up surrounded by the thriving cultural scene of the Moscow Art Theater. "I saw famous poets and actors all the time. I knew them from being little," Kolesnikov recalled, detailing how this environment sparked his early interest in drama.
Making his stage debut at just 12 years old, Kolesnikov began his acting career by performing small roles at the theater. His first significant on-screen appearance came later, in 2003, when he played supporting roles, struggling to find his footing. While many of his peers were landing coveted roles, Kolesnikov took jobs as a bartender, waiter, and even worked behind the scenes as a lighting technician just to make ends meet.
It wasn't until 2015, after nearly two decades of minor roles and hard graft, when he received the call from director Stanislav Govorukhin's assistant, offering him the chance to audition. The catch? Kolesnikov arrived at the audition with a hangover after partying the night before. Despite his disheveled appearance, Govorukhin saw something promising. He landed the pivotal role of writer Andrei Lentulov in the film The End of a Beautiful Era, which launched him to stardom at the age of 32.
The role was more than just another character; it became Kolesnikov's 'ticket' to success. "I ended up getting my break because I took it as it came," he said. This success led to other prominent roles, including Prince Yuri Vasilyevich in the historical series Sophia and Stiva Oblonsky in the ambitious adaptation of Anna Karenina. His portrayal of basketball player Alexander Belov in Going Vertical not only earned him accolades but also contributed to the film winning the prestigious Golden Eagle Award.
Yet, amid his rising fame, Kolesnikov faced challenges behind the scenes. He married his college sweetheart, Lina Ramanauskaite, when they were both young; their relationship has endured the test of time and adversity. Shortly after their first daughter, Evdokia, was born, Kolesnikov took parental leave to support his family as work opportunities dwindled. He often reflects fondly on those years, even joking about how he had to learn cooking and childcare during those trying times.
Now, as the couple raises three daughters—Evdokia, Vera, and Elizaveta—Kolesnikov shares his life with the same intensity he brings to his roles. He often emphasizes how significant family time is compared to his demanding career. "Cinema — far from primary," Kolesnikov believes, prioritizing memories with his wife and daughters over his professional engagements.
The actor faced personal turmoil when his father passed away in April 2023 after battling illness. The loss affected him deeply, as his father was not just his parent but also his mentor and friend. Among the challenges of mourning, Kolesnikov has found solace and strength within his loving family, who have supported him through this trying period.
Presently, Kolesnikov's future appears bright, with the filming of the fifth season of The First Department already underway. Producer, Kolesnikov draws attention as fans eagerly anticipate more episodes of the gripping drama series, which started airing in 2020. Reports indicate it may contain up to 32 episodes, ramping up excitement for die-hard viewers.
Reflecting on his life, Kolesnikov stands as a symbol of resilience and dedication within the film industry. His experiences, from being broke and working various jobs to thriving as one of Russia's most loved actors, serve as inspiration. Kolesnikov's heartfelt interactions with fans and dedication to meaningful roles paint the portrait of not just an actor but also a devoted family man who treasures time spent away from the spotlight.
Today, as onlookers celebrate Kolesnikov's 42nd birthday, they recognize not just his outstanding career but the man behind the roles, who continuously balances his professional ambitions with precious family moments. This heartfelt dedication permeates his work on screen, making him relatable and loved by fans both young and old.
