Russian and Soviet actress Irina Kupchenko was born in Vienna, Austria, into a family of military father. The unusual fate Irina was given at birth. One of the most beautiful, charming and mysterious Russian actresses was born on the night of February 29, her mother (English teacher) managed to persuade officials to record a “normal” birth date for her daughter – March 1. This date is written in all reference books and encyclopedias.
Irina Kupchenko’s childhood was spent in moving from garrison to garrison until the family finally settled in Kiev, which Irina calls “the city of her childhood”. The girl attended dancing classes and dreamed of becoming a ballerina. After graduating from high school in 1965, Irina entered the Romano – Germanic branch of the Kiev University, faculty of foreign languages, following her mother footsteps. After studying for a year (1965-1966), Irina had finally decided to become an actress, and was immediately accepted to Moscow Theater School. She graduated from the Theater School named after B. Shchukin in 1970.
After graduating Irina became an actress of Vakhtangov Academic Theater. Irina Kupchenko is People’s Artist of the RSFSR (1989). Her awards – The Order of Merit (1999), “Nika” Award for “Best Supporting Actor ” in 1987, the prize for the main role in the Hungarian film “Homo Novus” (1992) at the International Film Festival in Troy (Portugal), Lenin Komsomol Award (1981), Laureate of the State Prize of Russia (2001), The prize for best actress X1 International Film Festival in Montreal, Canada, 1987 in the film “Lonely Woman Seeks”, Golden Eagle 2008 – Best Supporting Actress “Draw”
Her life, both personal and artistic, Irina Kupchenko considers successful. For over thirty years, she is married to a great Russian actor Vasily Lanovoy, actor of Vakhtangov Theater. They have two grown sons – Sergey and Alexander.
