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Larisa Kizilova, known professionally as Larisa Tarkovskaya, was a Soviet actress and the wife of legendary filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky. Born on December 2, 1933, in Moscow, she studied at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK). Her career was closely intertwined with her husband’s work, and she appeared in several of his films, bringing a unique presence to the screen.
Tarkovskaya’s most notable role is in Andrei Tarkovsky’s The Mirror (1975), where she plays the mother of the protagonist. Her performance is both restrained and deeply emotional, embodying the film’s themes of memory and identity. She also appeared in Andrei Rublev (1966) and Solaris (1972), often playing characters that served as emotional anchors in Tarkovsky’s meditative narratives. Her on‑screen chemistry with the director’s vision was unparalleled, making her an integral part of his cinematic world.
Beyond acting, Larisa Tarkovskaya was involved in the production and promotion of her husband’s films, especially during their time abroad. She passed away on January 19, 1998, leaving behind a legacy closely tied to one of cinema’s greatest auteurs. Her contributions, both as an actress and as a supporter of Tarkovsky’s work, continue to be recognized by film scholars and enthusiasts.
