Famous People Born In Kiev

Igor Sikorsky was a Russian-American aviator known for his pioneering contributions to the development of both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Born in Russia, he immigrated to US as a young man and founded the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in 1923. He is also credited for developing the first of Pan American Airways' ocean-crossing flying boats. 

Russian microbiologist Sergei Winogradsky was the first to suggest the concept of the cycle of life. Born into a family of lawyers, he initially aspired to be a lawyer and also studied music, before switching to chemistry and then botany. His research covered sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and the nitrogen cycle.

Serge Lifar was a French ballet dancer of Ukrainian origin. Widely regarded as one of the 20th century's greatest male ballet dancers, Lifar served as a ballet master from 1930 to 1944 at the famous Paris Opera. From 1947 to 1958, he worked towards restoring the Paris Opera Ballet's reputation as one of the best in the world. 

Ephraim Katzir was an Israeli politician and biophysicist. He is best remembered for his service as the President of Israel from 24 May 1973 to 29 May 1978. Ephraim Katzir, who served as the Israel Defense Forces' Chief Scientist from 1966 to 1968, made important contributions in the scientific field as well. He was the recipient of several prestigious awards.

Alexander Liberman was a Ukrainian-American painter, sculptor, magazine editor, publisher, and photographer. He is best remembered for his association with Condé Nast Publications where he held senior artistic positions over the course of his 32 years at Condé Nast.

Rolan Bykov was a Soviet and Russian actor, screenwriter, theatre and film director, poet, songwriter, educator, banker, and politician. Before focusing on his film career, Bykov led the Lenin Komsomol Theatre. As a film director, Rolan Bykov achieved fame for his experimental family and children's movies. He was a recipient of many awards, including the State Prize of the USSR.

Ludvig Puusepp was an Estonian researcher and surgeon. He was the first professor of neurosurgery in the world. Consequently, Puusepp traveled all over the world as he was often invited as a visiting professor from universities worldwide. Ludvig Puusepp also contributed as an author, publishing books on the surgery of the nervous system and brain tumors.

Russian sculptor and painter Peter Fishman had spent his early years moving from one place to another due to his army-man father’s job. While he initially worked at the Smolensk State Museum as a fine art restorer, he later organized many sculpture exhibitions and also joined the Union of Artists.