# Oleg Menshikov

> Soviet and Russian actor, theatre director

**Wikidata**: [Q563895](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q563895)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleg_Menshikov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oleg-menshikov

## Summary

Oleg Menshikov is a Soviet and Russian actor and theatre director born on November 8, 1960. He is renowned for his extensive work in film, theatre, and television, and has received numerous prestigious awards including the People's Artist of the Russian Federation, the State Prize of the Russian Federation, and the Nika Award. Menshikov has served as a theatre director and has been affiliated with major Russian theatrical institutions including the Maly Theatre, Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army, and Yermolova Theatre.

## Biography

- **Born:** November 8, 1960
- **Nationality:** Soviet Union (historical), Russia
- **Full Name:** Oleg Evgenyevich Menshikov (Олег Евгеньевич Меньшиков)
- **Education:** M.S. Schepkin Higher Theatre School (Moscow)
- **Known for:** Acting in Soviet and Russian cinema and theatre, theatre direction, television presenting
- **Employer(s):** M.S. Schepkin Higher Theatre School, Maly Theatre, Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army, Yermolova Theatre
- **Field(s):** Film acting, stage acting, theatre direction, television acting, presenting
- **Work Period Start:** 1980
- **Website:** http://www.menshikov.ru

## Contributions

Oleg Menshikov has built a distinguished career spanning over four decades in Russian performing arts. His contributions include:

- **Film Career:** Appeared in numerous Soviet and Russian films, establishing himself as one of the most recognizable actors in Russian cinema
- **Theatre Direction:** Served as a theatre director, overseeing productions at major Russian theatres
- **Television Work:** Performed as a television actor and served as a presenter for various programs
- **Stage Performances:** Worked as a stage actor performing live before in-person audiences
- **International Recognition:** Achieved recognition in British theatre, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for performances in London's West End

## FAQs

**What is Oleg Menshikov best known for?**
Oleg Menshikov is best known as a Soviet and Russian actor and theatre director who has appeared in numerous films and stage productions. He is particularly recognized for his work in Russian cinema and his performances in theatre.

**Where did Oleg Menshikov receive his theatrical education?**
Menshikov was educated at the M.S. Schepkin Higher Theatre School in Moscow, one of Russia's most prestigious drama schools established in 1809.

**What awards has Oleg Menshikov received?**
Menshikov has received numerous awards including the People's Artist of the Russian Federation (1995), the State Prize of the Russian Federation, the Order of Honour (since 1994), the Nika Award, the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and recognition at the Kinotavr film festival.

**Which theatres has Oleg Menshikov been affiliated with?**
Menshikov has been affiliated with several major Russian theatres including the Maly Theatre (established 1756), the Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army (established 1930), and the Yermolova Theatre (established 1925).

**When did Oleg Menshikov begin his career?**
Menshikov began his professional career in 1980, working in Soviet theatre and film.

## Why They Matter

Oleg Menshikov matters as one of the most prominent figures in Russian performing arts, representing the continuity of theatrical and cinematic traditions from the Soviet era through the modern Russian Federation. His work has helped shape contemporary Russian theatre and film, and his international recognition through awards like the Laurence Olivier Award has brought attention to Russian theatrical talent on the global stage. As both an actor and director, Menshikov has contributed to the development of Russian theatre arts and has influenced subsequent generations of performers. His sustained career spanning over four decades demonstrates his importance and relevance in the Russian cultural landscape.

## Notable For

- Winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for London's West End theatre
- Receiving the title of People's Artist of the Russian Federation (1995)
- Being awarded the Order of Honour by the Russian Federation (since 1994)
- Winning the State Prize of the Russian Federation in literature and arts
- Receiving the Nika Award, one of Russia's most prestigious film awards
- Serving as both actor and theatre director at major Russian theatrical institutions
- Maintaining a career spanning from the Soviet era to modern Russia
- Being recognized as a prominent television actor and presenter

## Body

### Early Life and Education

Oleg Menshikov was born on November 8, 1960. He received his formal theatrical education at the M.S. Schepkin Higher Theatre School in Moscow, one of Russia's oldest and most prestigious drama institutions, founded in 1809. This educational background provided him with the foundational skills that would launch his distinguished career in performing arts.

### Career Beginnings

Menshikov began his professional career in 1980, entering the Soviet entertainment industry during a period of significant cultural development. His early work involved both stage acting and film appearances, establishing the multidimensional career that would define his professional life.

### Theatre Work

Throughout his career, Menshikov has been affiliated with several of Russia's most prestigious theatrical institutions:

- **Maly Theatre:** One of the oldest theatre companies in Russia, founded in 1756, located in Moscow
- **Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army:** Established on February 6, 1930, in Moscow
- **Yermolova Theatre:** A historic theatre company in Tverskoy District, Moscow, founded in 1925
- **M.S. Schepkin Higher Theatre School:** His alma mater, where he likely performed and later taught

His work as a theatrical director involved overseeing the mounting of theatre productions, demonstrating his versatility beyond acting.

### Film and Television Career

As a film actor, Menshikov appeared in numerous productions, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Soviet and Russian cinema. His work as a television actor expanded his reach to broader audiences across the Soviet Union and later Russia. Additionally, he served as a presenter, hosting various events and television programs.

### Awards and Recognition

Menshikov has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to performing arts:

- **People's Artist of the Russian Federation:** Awarded in 1995, this is one of the highest honors for performing artists in Russia
- **State Prize of the Russian Federation:** A prestigious award in science, technology, literature, and arts
- **Order of Honour:** A state award of the Russian Federation, received since 1994
- **Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role:** An annual award for London's West End theatre, recognizing excellence in theatre
- **Nika Award:** Russian film award established in 1987, awarded in multiple categories
- **Kinotavr:** Film festival held in Sochi, Russia, since 1991
- **Laurence Olivier Awards:** British awards recognizing excellence in West End theatre since 1976

### International Recognition

Menshikov achieved international recognition through his performances in British theatre, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. This achievement placed him among the elite performers recognized by the British theatre community and demonstrated the international appeal of his talent.

### Personal Information

- **Citizenship:** Both Soviet Union (historical) and Russia
- **Website:** www.menshikov.ru
- **Social Media Presence:** Maintains profiles on Twitter (@olegmenshikovru), Instagram (@olegmenshikov.ru), and Facebook (actormenshikov)

### Professional Attributes

Menshikov's professional profile encompasses multiple facets of performing arts:
- Stage acting (live performances before in-person audiences)
- Film acting (appearances in films)
- Television acting (performances on television)
- Theatre direction (overseeing production mounting)
- Presenting (hosting events and programs)

His work period spanning from 1980 to the present represents a career of remarkable longevity and consistency in the Russian entertainment industry.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. IdRef
7. The Movie Database
8. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Oleg_Menshikov-NY3NXK)