Natalia Fateeva, the celebrated Soviet actress known for her roles in iconic films, recently marked her 90th birthday on December 23, 2023. Fateeva, who captured the hearts of audiences with her charming performances and unique beauty, is not only reminiscing about her illustrious career but also reflecting on the hurdles of her personal life.
Born on December 23, 1933, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Fateeva began her artistic pursuits at a young age. Her early years were steeped in music and athletics, setting the stage for what would become an impressive career. After attending the Kharkiv Theatre Institute, she ventured to Moscow to follow her passion for acting, even working as a television announcer before being expelled due to her busy schedule. Eventually, she found success at the prestigious VGIK institute under the guidance of noted director Sergey Gerasimov.
Much of Fateeva's fame can be attributed to her role in the 1963 comedy "Tri plyus dva" (Three Plus Two), where she acted alongside prominent figures such as Andrei Mironov and Yevgeny Zharikov. This film catapulted her to stardom, making her a household name across the Soviet Union. Despite her success, Fateeva felt constrained by the roles she was offered. "Лицо у меня слишком улыбчивое. За это, кстати, меня не любило советское кино," she reflected, meaning, "My face is too cheerful, which is why Soviet cinema didn’t favor me much.”
Fateeva's personal life was marked not just by her artistic career but also by turbulent relationships. She married three times, first to classmate Leonid Tarabarinov, then to director Vladimir Basov, with whom she had her son Vladimir. Her second marriage ended due to Basov's alcohol issues and jealousy. Fateeva candidly spoke about her struggles, saying, "Он ревновал меня к моей внешности," or "He was envious of my looks," indicating the fractures these issues created within their relationship.
Later, she wed Soviet cosmonaut Boris Yegorov with whom she welcomed her daughter Olga. Yet, her marriage with Yegorov also ended unsuccessfully, and the actress later admitted she had distanced herself from her children. Despite these challenges, Fateeva emerged as one of the leading actresses of her era, appearing in numerous films during the '70s and '80s.
Now, at 90, Fateeva resides alone in her spacious Moscow apartment, attended to by a caretaker. With age, she has faced numerous health challenges, including multiple surgeries due to injuries sustained over the years. Recently, she expressed discomfort about her physical limitations, stating, "Все время надо преодолевать какие-то проблемы," or "I constantly have to overcome various problems." Her deteriorated health has made mobility difficult, as she requires assistance to navigate her daily life after sustaining injuries from falls.
Anticipation surrounding her 90th birthday was subdued, as Fateeva expressed her aversion to celebrations, saying, "Ничего, никаких отмечаний, не собираюсь ничего делать," which translates to, "I don’t want any celebrations, I am not planning anything.” Instead, she prefers quiet reflections with a close friend visiting from St. Petersburg, exemplifying her desire for peace over pomp.
Despite living separately from her children and refraining from public engagements, she has not entirely lost touch with modern life. Fateeva remains engaged with her memories of filmmaking and friendships from the past, though she witnesses many contemporaries passing away, leaving her with few reminders of her vibrant earlier life.
Fateeva is also grappling with disputes related to her living conditions, particularly with utility services, which has added stress as she approaches her milestone birthday. She stated, "Мне угрожают, присылают квитанции, в которых каждый раз написана разная сумма," or "I am being threatened, bills come with different amounts each time.” Her frustrations with bureaucracy reveal what many elderly citizens endure when confronted with outdated laws and services.
Though she has opted for minimal celebrations, Fateeva's legacy remains firmly entrenched within the annals of Soviet cinema. Her determination as both an actress and individual remains inspiring. With her reflections as both light and shadow, she embodies the complexity of human experience, having navigated the trials of fame, love, and life with steadfast grace and unwavering spirit.
Moving forward, Fateeva continues to find joy, even if modest, as she addresses the simple aspects of life such as shopping for necessities, maintaining connections with those close to her, and remembering the laughter and struggles she has encountered throughout her life. Her story is not merely one of fame and triumph but also one of resilience, purpose, and the poignant passage of time.
