Famous Latvian Actors

Elya Baskin is a Russian-American character actor known for his diverse roles in film and television. He gained recognition for his performance as Robin Williams' character's best friend in Moscow on the Hudson (1984). Baskin is also notable for his portrayal of Mr. Ditkovich in Spider-Man 2 (2004) and Spider-Man 3 (2007), as well as cosmonaut Max Brailovsky in 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984). With a career spanning decades, Baskin has showcased his versatility and talent across various genres and projects.

Arkady Raikin was a prominent Soviet stand-up comedian, stage and film actor, theater director, screenwriter, and satirist. He played a significant role in shaping the school of Soviet and Russian humorists, leaving a lasting impact on the comedy scene for about fifty years. Raikin's comedic talents were showcased through his performances on stage and screen, as well as through his work as a director and writer. His legacy as a pioneer in Soviet comedy continues to influence humorists and entertainers to this day.

Uldis Pūcītis was a multi-talented Latvian professional in the entertainment industry. He excelled as a television, theater, and film actor, captivating audiences with his performances. Additionally, he showcased his creativity and storytelling skills as a scriptwriter and film director, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Pūcītis' dedication and passion for his craft shone through in his work, earning him recognition and respect among his peers and fans alike.

Andris Keišs is a prominent Latvian actor known for his work in theatre and film. He has notably appeared in plays by acclaimed directors Alvis Hermanis and Māra Ķimele. Keišs has received recognition for his talent, winning the Union of Latvian Theatre Workers best actor award in 2005 and the prestigious Lielais Kristaps award four times, in 2000, 2012, 2015, and 2016. His versatile performances and dedication to his craft have solidified his reputation as one of Latvia's most accomplished actors.

Fridrikh Markovich Ermler was a prominent Soviet film director, actor, and screenwriter known for his contributions to the Soviet film industry. He was a four-time recipient of the Stalin Prize and played a significant role in the development of Soviet cinema. Ermler studied at the Cinema Academy and was involved in creating early Soviet talkies. He co-founded the Creative Association KEM, studied at the Communist Academy, and served as chairman of the Russian Association of Revolutionary Filmmakers. Ermler directed films at prominent studios and left a lasting impact on Soviet cinema.

Artūrs Skrastiņš is a talented Latvian actor with a successful career in both theater and film. Since 1996, he has been associated with Dailes teātris, showcasing his acting skills on stage. He has also made significant contributions to the film industry, participating in various movies. Skrastiņš' outstanding performance in The Mills of Fate earned him the prestigious Latvian National Film Prize Lielais Kristaps in 1998. Additionally, he was recognized for his exceptional debut at the Baltijas Pērle film festival the same year.

Mārtiņš Freimanis was a prominent Latvian musician, singer, songwriter, actor, and TV personality. He gained recognition for his versatile talents and contributions to the entertainment industry. Freimanis's career was marked by successful music releases, captivating performances on stage and screen, and engaging appearances on television. His work resonated with audiences, showcasing his creativity and passion for the arts. Freimanis left a lasting impact on Latvian culture through his artistic endeavors and remains a celebrated figure in the country's entertainment scene.

Ivars Edmunds Kalniņš is a highly accomplished Latvian film and television actor with a rich professional background. Graduating from the Jāzeps Vītols Theatre Department of the Latvian Conservatory in 1974, he began his acting career at the Artistic Academic Theatre of J. Rainis in 1972. Kalniņš has showcased his talent in a variety of Latvian and Russian language films and television shows, demonstrating versatility and skill in his performances. With a strong foundation in theater education and extensive experience in the industry, he continues to captivate audiences with his acting prowess.

Alexander "Sasha" Siemel was a versatile American/Argentinian adventurer, professional hunter, guide, actor, writer, photographer, and lecturer of Latvian origin. He was fluent in seven languages and was known for his daring exploits in the Mato Grosso jungles of Brazil, where he claimed to have hunted over 300 jaguars armed only with a spear. Siemel's fearless pursuit of these dangerous predators, despite being armed with minimal weaponry, cemented his reputation as a legendary figure among sportsmen and adventurers.

Lauris Reiniks is a versatile Latvian artist known for his achievements in the music industry. He is a successful pop music singer, songwriter, and composer, having released 9 solo albums and singles in 11 languages. Reiniks has received numerous awards for his work, both nationally and internationally, and is recognized for his contributions to the Baltic music scene. Additionally, he has ventured into television hosting and acting, showcasing his diverse talents and garnering a wide audience, as evidenced by the popularity of his music videos on YouTube.