Famous Latvian Film & Theater Personalities

Ksenia Solo is a versatile Latvian-Canadian actress known for her compelling portrayals in various popular television series. She gained recognition for her role as Kenzi in Lost Girl and continued to showcase her talent by portraying characters like Peggy Shippen in Turn: Washington's Spies, Natasha in Life Unexpected, and Shay Davydov in Orphan Black. Her most recent work includes being part of the main cast in Project Blue Book. Solo's career is marked by diverse and impactful performances that have solidified her reputation as a talented and versatile actress.

Cynthia Lynn was an American actress known for her work in the entertainment industry. She had a successful career that spanned several years, during which she showcased her talent and versatility as an actress. Lynn appeared in various film and television productions, leaving a lasting impact on audiences with her performances. Her dedication to her craft and passion for acting were evident in her work, earning her recognition and respect among her peers in the industry.

Elya Baskin is a Russian-American character actor known for his versatile roles in film and television. He first gained recognition for his performance in Moscow on the Hudson (1984) alongside Robin Williams. Baskin is also notable for portraying Peter Parker's landlord, Mr. Ditkovich, in the Spider-Man franchise. His work includes the role of cosmonaut Max Brailovsky in 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984). Throughout his career, Baskin has demonstrated his talent and skill in bringing characters to life on screen.

Laima Vaikule is a multi-talented Latvian artist known for her contributions to the entertainment industry. She has excelled as an actress, singer, director, and choreographer, gaining recognition across Europe and the former USSR. Vaikule's talent shines through her popular hits like "Vernissage" and "Charlie," which have solidified her reputation as a prominent figure in the music scene. Her diverse skill set and creative vision have allowed her to leave a lasting impact on the world of entertainment, captivating audiences with her performances.

Agata Muceniece is a versatile professional in the entertainment industry, excelling as an actress, model, and television presenter. With a successful career spanning multiple fields, she has showcased her talent and charisma on various platforms. As an actress, she has portrayed diverse roles, captivating audiences with her performances. Additionally, her work as a model has seen her grace numerous campaigns and runways, embodying elegance and style. Furthermore, her skills as a television presenter have allowed her to engage and entertain viewers with charm and wit.

Arkady Raikin was a prominent Soviet stand-up comedian, stage and film actor, theater director, screenwriter, and satirist. He played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Soviet and Russian humor for over fifty years. Raikin's influence extended to his leadership of a school of humorists, where he inspired and mentored many aspiring talents. Through his performances and creative endeavors, Raikin left a lasting impact on the world of comedy and entertainment, solidifying his legacy as a legendary figure in the industry.

Tania Russof is a renowned Latvian pornographic film actor recognized for her significant roles in movies such as "The Pyramid" and the "Private Gold" series. She has established herself as one of the most prominent and celebrated porn stars in Latvia and Russia. With a successful career in the adult film industry, Tania Russof has garnered a loyal fan base and critical acclaim for her performances, contributing to her status as a prominent figure in the world of adult entertainment.

Asja Lācis was a Latvian actress and theatre director known for her work in Soviet Russia and Latvia in the 1920s. She focused on creating proletarian theatre troupes for children and agitprop performances. Lācis believed in using children's theatre as a tool for education, particularly for underprivileged children. She later moved to Germany, where she collaborated with influential figures like Bertolt Brecht and Erwin Piscator. Lācis also had a significant impact on the German philosopher Walter Benjamin, influencing his embrace of Marxism.

Vija Artmane was a renowned Latvian theatre and cinema actress known for her exceptional talent and versatility on stage and screen. Throughout her career, she captivated audiences with her compelling performances, bringing depth and authenticity to a wide range of roles. With a commanding presence and a deep understanding of her craft, Artmane established herself as a leading figure in Latvian performing arts. Her contributions to the world of theatre and cinema continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and colleagues alike.

Uldis Pūcītis was a versatile Latvian talent known for his work in television, theater, and film. He made significant contributions as an actor, scriptwriter, and film director throughout his career. His performances on screen and stage captivated audiences, showcasing his range and depth as a performer. Pūcītis also displayed his creative prowess behind the scenes, crafting compelling scripts and directing memorable films. His legacy in the entertainment industry endures through his body of work, which continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

Andris Keišs is a highly acclaimed Latvian actor known for his impressive work in both theatre and film. He has collaborated with renowned directors such as Alvis Hermanis and Māra Ķimele in various theatrical productions. Keišs has also showcased his talent on the big screen, appearing in multiple films. Throughout his career, he has received prestigious awards for his performances, including the Union of Latvian Theatre Workers best actor award in 2005 and the Lielais Kristaps award four times, making him the most decorated actor in this category.

Lya Mara, born Aleksandra Gudowicz, was a prominent Polish actress known for her significant contributions to German silent cinema. She rose to fame as one of the leading stars of the era, captivating audiences with her exceptional talent and captivating performances on the silver screen. With a remarkable on-screen presence and versatile acting skills, Lya Mara established herself as a key figure in the film industry, leaving a lasting impact on the world of cinema during her career.

Fridrikh Markovich Ermler was a prominent Soviet film director, actor, and screenwriter known for his contributions to Soviet cinema. He was a four-time recipient of the Stalin Prize and played a significant role in the development of Soviet talkies. Ermler studied at the Cinema Academy and Communist Academy, becoming involved in revolutionary filmmaking. He directed films at major studios such as Lenfilm and TsOKS, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Ermler's legacy is commemorated with a memorial plaque at his former residence in Leningrad.

Anna Brigadere was a prominent Latvian writer, playwright, and poet known for her significant contributions to literature. She played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of Latvia through her innovative works that often delved into themes of national identity and societal issues. Brigadere's writing showcased a deep understanding of human emotions and experiences, resonating with audiences across generations. Her impactful literary creations continue to be celebrated for their rich storytelling and profound insights into the human condition.

Artūrs Skrastiņš is a prominent Latvian actor with a career spanning over two decades. Since 1996, he has been an integral part of Dailes teātris, showcasing his talent on stage. Skrastiņš has also made a mark in the film industry, participating in various movies. His exceptional performance in The Mills of Fate earned him the prestigious Latvian National Film Prize Lielais Kristaps in 1998. Additionally, he was recognized for his outstanding debut at the Baltijas Pērle film festival the same year.

Mārtiņš Freimanis was a versatile Latvian artist known for his contributions to music, acting, and television. As a musician, singer, and songwriter, he captivated audiences with his unique style and powerful performances. Freimanis also showcased his talent as an actor, displaying versatility and depth in various roles. Additionally, he made a mark as a TV personality, engaging viewers with his charisma and charm. Through his work in multiple creative fields, Freimanis left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry in Latvia.

Ivars Kalniņš is a talented Latvian actor known for his work in film and television. He began his acting career in 1972 at the Artistic Academic Theatre of J. Rainis before graduating from the Jāzeps Vītols Theatre Department of the Latvian Conservatory in 1974. Kalniņš has showcased his acting skills in both Latvian and Russian language productions, demonstrating versatility and dedication to his craft. With a career spanning decades, he has established himself as a respected figure in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his performances.

Kārlis Būmeisters, also known by his stage name Kaža, is a versatile professional with a background in music, art, and television hosting. He has transitioned into the field of politics and currently serves as a press secretary for European Parliament Member Roberts Zīle in Brussels. Būmeisters is associated with the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, showcasing his expertise in communication and public relations within the political sphere. His diverse skill set and experience make him a valuable asset in his role as a press secretary.

Rēzija Kalniņa is a highly accomplished Latvian actress with a successful career spanning both theater and film. Since 1994, she has been a prominent figure at Dailes Theatre, showcasing her talent on stage. Additionally, she has made notable contributions to the film industry through her captivating performances. Her dedication and skill have been recognized with prestigious accolades, such as the Lielais Kristaps award in 2001 for her outstanding role in Good Hands. Kalniņa's professional journey is marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for her craft.

Sasha Siemel was a renowned adventurer, professional hunter, guide, actor, writer, photographer, and lecturer of Latvian origin. Fluent in seven languages, he claimed to have experienced more adventure in a year than most men do in a lifetime. Siemel gained fame among sportsmen for successfully hunting over 300 jaguars in the Mato Grosso jungles of Brazil. His daring feats of hunting the formidable jaguar armed only with a spear showcased his exceptional skills, making him a legendary figure in the world of big game hunting.

Lauris Reiniks is a versatile Latvian artist known for his work in pop music, television hosting, acting, and songwriting. He holds a degree in communication science and has received formal training in acting. With 9 solo albums and singles in 11 languages, Reiniks is a prolific composer and recording artist. He is also involved in creating educational content for children. His contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous national awards and international acclaim in the Baltic region. Reiniks's success extends to television, where he emerged as the Season 1 champion of "Dancing with the Stars" in Latvia. His music videos have garnered millions of views on YouTube, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the Latvian music scene.