Actress Margarita Zhigunova. Biography

Margarita Zhigunova was born on February 20, 1937 in the Tver village of Knyazevo. Her childhood was spent in the difficult post-war years, but even then, as a schoolgirl, she participated in amateur performances and dreamed of the theater stage.

After receiving her diploma, Margarita Zhigunova went to conquer Moscow and entered the Moscow Art Theater Studio School. And already in 1959, immediately after graduating from the studio, she made her film debut — she appeared in an episode of the drama "Cruelty". In the same year, the actress received the main role in the film "Ilse" directed by Roland Kalnins, based on the novel "Blood of the Heart" by Anna Braudel. This work brought Zhigunova national fame.

Career

Since 1960, Margarita Zhigunova has served at the Pushkin Moscow Drama Theater. The beginner Vladimir Vysotsky, who graduated from the Moscow Art Theater Studio School a year later, also got into the same set. They rehearsed and performed in the same plays together.

One of Zhigunova's first roles was Alyonushka in the legendary children's production "The Scarlet Flower", which has been running since 1950 and holds the record for the longest rental. Zhigunova's creative baggage includes a joint game with Faina Ranevskaya in "Trees die standing up." She also played Marisa in "Romagnola", performed roles in "The Chocolate Soldier" based on Bernard Shaw and "Days of Our Lives" together with Vera Alentova.

In 1972, Zhigunova shone in the role of Evlalia Andreevna in a production based on Alexander Ostrovsky's comedy play The Slave. Her repertoire also includes "A Man and a Gentleman", "Dramatic Song", "Oblomov" and other productions. For decades, Zhigunova remained one of the pillars of the Pushkin troupe.

In front of witnesses: Mikhail Yefremov took the stage again

The artist recorded riles, joked about cognac and flew around the stage.

Zhigunova got her first major role in the film Ilse. Viewers also remembered her roles in "Cruelty", "In One Neighborhood" and the four-part "The Legend of Thiel", where her partners were Evgeny Leonov and Natalia Belokhvostikova. In the 2000s, Zhigunova starred in TV series, including The Return of Mukhtar.

Personal life

Margarita Zhigunova was married to dancer Maris Liepu, whom she met during the filming of the film "Blood of the Heart." They named their two children after the heroes of this painting, Andris and Ilse. The couple's children became ballet stars.

Zhigunova and Liepa were considered one of the most beautiful couples in the Soviet Union. Abroad, they were nicknamed "the Russians Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe" for their perfect harmony and spectacular appearance.

The marriage lasted 18 years. Margarita was not just a wife for her husband, but also a muse, creating an atmosphere for his work.

Death

Margarita Zhigunova, an actress at the Pushkin Moscow Drama Theater, has died at the age of 89. This was announced on February 16, 2026 by the <url> portal. The cause of death was not announced.