The Soviet and Russian actress Zoya Vasilkova was called the master of the episode. During her long film career, she has played in more than a hundred films. The attention of the directors of the performer was never deprived.
According to some sources, the future actress was born in Ukraine, where her father served in those years, others indicate that she was born in Leningrad. However, Zoya Nikolaevna herself adhered to the second version.
Road to vocation
The biography of the star began in 1926. She was born on the fourth of May day. Nothing is known about the actress’s childhood and youth. Vasilkova herself in an interview said that at school she dreamed of the profession of a long-distance navigation navigator. The girl, by her admission, grew up a real tomboy.
The family often moved, since his father was a soldier. During the war, almost immediately after the father, his daughter went to the front. Father did not know about her decision, mother could not dissuade. However, after the letter was received, the head of the family managed to transfer the young girl to his anti-aircraft part.
Zoe became a meteorologist. Her duty was to determine the weather conditions, the main thing - the wind, so that anti-aircraft gunners could more accurately direct shells. The success of defeating the enemy depended on the girl’s work. Zoya tried, and after work she completely laid out in amateur performances. Vasilkova suffered in the very first days of appearing at the front. Due to a combination of circumstances, the girl’s face was dissected by glass fragments. She was literally reassembled at the hospital.
The girl was sent home in October 1944. During this time, Zoe fell to a lot. However, Vasilkova recalled the front time without a shudder.
After returning in 1944, Vasilkova decided to graduate. The Institute was chosen as an architectural. However, after the first semester, the student left the university and moved to a music school. Good vocal performance came in handy. After a year of study, Zoya began preparing for admission to the conservatory.
Film career and family
However, the director of the theater institute recommended a talented girl to choose a theatrical career. So Vasilkova ended up in a Kiev university. Father was transferred, this time to Moscow. Parents did not plan to leave their daughter alone. Therefore, Zoya set about searching for a suitable metropolitan education option. She was advised to contact VGIK.
She graduated from the Vasilkov Institute superbly. She worked at the Theater of Cinematographers, and then went on a contract to China with her husband. At the local Palace of Culture, Vasilkova directed amateur performances. During her studies, Zoya became the wife of fellow student Yuri Chekulaev.
The actress began acting under the name of her husband. The young family spent several years abroad. After two years in China, she returned to Russia, then went to Poland, after her to Germany. Only after this the return to the homeland took place. Live acting couple remained in the capital.
Like all fellow students after graduating, Vasilkova dreamed of leading roles, recognition, fame. In 1949 Vasilkova made her film debut. She participated in the film "They Have a Homeland". The performer in the films Ptushko and Rowe starred a lot.
She became famous for her skill in performing episodic roles. The main characters were offered to her, but rarely. Without work, the actress did not want to sit, and therefore agreed. In this case, even the smallest appearance in the frame Zoya Nikolaevna turned into the most memorable event.
Vivid episodes
Even after many years, it is enough to recall a role, and immediately recall the picture in which the artist participated. So, in the fabulous painting "Fire, water and … copper pipes" she brilliantly played the role of counselor.
In the comedy "Gentlemen of Fortune, " Vasilk4ova turned into a conscientious janitor who scolded the four unlucky robbers under the leadership of Leonov-Dotsent. In some paintings, her roles were so small that even the name of the performer was not mentioned in the credits. An example of such work was the film "Sisters" and the role of Rastorgueva. But in the film story "Evenings on a Farm near Dikanka" there was an opportunity to try on the real outfit of Empress Catherine. The actress played her part.
Basically, the famous artist participated in fabulous and comedy films, but dreamed of a dramatic serious role.
Personal life with Chekulaev was marked by the birth of an only child, son Andrei. He chose a military career, then went into business. After two decades, the couple decided to leave.
