ladynina, Marina (1908–2003)

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ladynina, Marina (1908–2003)

Russian comedic actress. Born Marina Alekseyevna Ladynina, June 24, 1908, in Achinsk (some sources cite Tyombino), Siberia, Russia; died Mar 8, 2003, in Moscow; m. Ivan Pyryev or Pyriev (director), 1901 (died 1968); children: Andrei Ladynin (director).

Appeared for several years with Moscow Theater; made film debut in Dangerous Paths (1935); with husband, made a string of highly successful musicals, including Tractor Drivers (1939), The Rich Bride, Cossacks of the Kuban, Battle of Siberia, and Swineherd and Shepherd (1941), which earned the Stalin Prize; a personal favorite of Joseph Stalin, remained highly popular in Russia long after retirement from the screen (1953). Received 5 state prizes, including People's Artist of the Soviet Union; received a lifetime achievement award at the Nikas (Russian equvalent of Oscars, 1998).

See also East Side Story, a documentary on Soviet musicals.