Latvian Acting Stars

Gundars Abolins is a Latvian actor. He works for the New Riga Theatre in Riga, having formerly worked for the Dailes Theatre. He was awarded at the "Player's Night" - Best Actor 2006 and The Best Actor by the viewers choice 2012. Gundars comes from a famous Latvian actor dynasty, his mother is Vera Singajevska, his father - Talivaldis Abolins.

Natalia Ryumina is a Latvian born British actress. She grew up in a multilingual family, speaking Russian, Latvian, Ukrainian, English and German. After graduating from Jazep Medin Riga School of Music, where she had trained as a classical singer, she moved to London to study at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and work with the world famous American acting coach Jack Waltzer. During her studies she also worked as a fashion model for various designers, including Vivienne Westwood, and was the lead singer in a British heavy metal band Into The Woods. Her first television appearance was in a BBC drama Holby City, followed by a number of other productions, including Waterloo Road and Moving On. Her film work includes feature films Their Finest by Lone Scherfig, and most recently, Anton by Oscar nominated Zaza Urushadze and The Inheritance by Chad Barager and Kevin Speckmaier.

Ieva Plavniece was born on 29 September 1979 in Latvia. She is an actress, known for Vecaku Sapulce (2025), Kur pazudis Elvis? (2008) and Saldais Paritis. Ir Berni (2018).

Rezija Kalnina was born on 23 December 1970 in Latvian SSR, USSR [now Latvia]. She is an actress, known for Head käed (2001), Modris (2014) and Maximum Headroom (2005).

Actress Aija Terauda was born to a Latvian father (entrepreneur ) and a a Russian mother (teacher) in Riga, Latvia. She is fluent in Latvian, Russian and English languages. Terauda also learned Italian and Finnish while living and working in these countries. She began her modeling career at the age of 16 in Riga, Latvia which led her to work at IMM (International Model Management) in Milan, Italy. After living in Europe, Terauda moved to New York City to study acting at HB Studio and MTB Studio. She obtained Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Studies at the City College of New York and studied at Columbia University. Terauda is best known for her roles in period pieces like - HBO TV series The Knick where she was directors Steven Soderbergh's choice for her part. She appears in Martin Scorsese's TV series "Boardwalk Empire," where she played Deuces Girl. Terauda also worked in Latvia with Hallmark Productions in the television film "The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler" starring Anna Paquin. Aija Terauda and her husband Derek Purvis created a Tranquillibrium Entertainment Production company where they are working right now with upcoming projects. They have two sons- Dorian and Holden.

Rain Elwood makes her TV debut alongside Sullivan Stapleton in Cinemax's hit series Strike Back playing the femme fatale Katya. She was discovered as the face of Puredistance, an ultra luxury perfume brand that retails for up to $2,000 a bottle. Rain was then cast in Heineken's 'The Express' commercial starring Daniel Craig made for the Bond film: Skyfall.

Andris Keiss was born on 26 November 1974. He is an actor and writer, known for Return of Sergeant Lapins (2010), Loveless (2017) and Pa-Pa (2015).

Kristine Nevarauska was born on 3 March 1981 in Bauska, Latvia, USSR. She is an actress, known for Sauja lozu (2002), Nothing Can Stop Us Now (2019) and Three to Dance (2011).

Janis Paukstello was born on 26 March 1951 in Jaunpiebalga, Latvian SSR, USSR [now Latvia]. He is an actor, known for Maximum Headroom (2005), Nepabeigtas vakarinas (1979) and Mans draugs - nenopietns cilveks (1976).

Janis Reinis was born on 13 December 1960 in Obeliai, Lithuanian SSR, USSR. He was an actor, known for De nieuwe moeder (1996), Defenders of Riga (2007) and Zitaru dzimta (1989). He was married to Lasma Kugrena. He died on 26 August 2016 in Latvia.

Arturs Skrastins was born on 18 September 1974 in Jelgava, Latvian SSR, USSR [now Latvia]. He is an actor, known for Liktendzirnas (1997), The Mover (2018) and Maria's Silence (2024).

Guna Zarina was born on 1 October 1972. She is an actress, known for Pa celam aizejot (2001), Return of Sergeant Lapins (2010) and Kolka Cool (2011).

Kaspars Znotins was born on 7 October 1975. He is an actor, known for Firstborn (2017), Dawn of War (2020) and Homo Novus (2018).

Laima Vaikule is a popular Latvian actress, singer, director and choreographer, best known in Europe and in the Former USSR for such popular hits as "Vernisazh" and "Charley" among other songs.

She was born Laima Stanislavovna Vaikule on March 31, 1954, in Cesis, Latvian Republic, Soviet Union (now Cesis, Latvia). Her parents moved to Riga when she was 3. Young Laima Vaikule was fond of music and dancing. In 1966, at the age of 12, she took part in a competition of young singers and was noticed. From 1970 - 1973 she studied nursing at Medical School in Riga, and was planning to become a surgeon. She also continued singing with a band. Eventually she became a lead singer with a local band in Riga and worked night gigs at local clubs and restaurants for several years. In the 1980s she studied acting and directing at Moscow State Institute for Theatrical Arts (GITIS), graduating as actress and director.

In 1985, Laima Vaikule made her first hit in the Soviet Union. Since 1986, Vaikule has been enjoying a fruitful collaboration with popular Latvian composer, Raimonds Pauls, and Russian poet Ilya Reznik, who wrote such hits as "Vernisazh", "Charley" and "Skripach na kryshe" (aka.. Fiddler on the roof). She was among original organizers of the Yurmala Festival of popular music, along with Raimond Pauls. During the 1980s and 1990s Laima Vaikule was a regular participant at international music competitions and festivals across Europe. Vaikule was awarded the Golde Lyra at "Bratislavská Lýra, 87", received awards at "Yurmala, 92", and also took part at "AU music world" in Monaco, among other festivals and competitions. She was designated National Actress of Latvia and was awarded the Grand Prix (1996) for her special contribution to the music and culture of Latvia.

Laima Vaikule is currently living and working in Riga, Latvia and owns a second home in Moscow, Russia.

Mirdza Martinsone was born on 16 August 1951 in Riga, Latvian SSR, USSR [now Latvia]. She is an actress, known for The Arrows of Robin Hood (1975), Visi pries viena (1986) and Avenu vins (1984). She is married to Martins Verdins. They have two children.

Santa Didzus is known for Three Stories About... (1999), Medibas (2009) and Don't Talk About It (2007).

Kristine Belicka is known for Mona (2012), Svetdienas sieva (2019) and Swingers (2016).

Ainars Ancevskis is known for Defenders of Riga (2007), Klases Salidojums (2019) and Aizaugusa gravi viegli krist (1987).

Andris Bulis is known for Dream Team 1935 (2012), Romeo n' Juliet (2015) and OKI - In the Middle of the Ocean (2014).

Martins Freimanis was born on 7 February 1977 in Liepaja, Latvian SSR, USSR [now Liepaja, Latvia]. He was an actor and composer, known for Three to Dance (2011), Lauris Reiniks: As Begu (2010) and Eurovision Song Contest Kyiv 2005 (2005). He died on 27 January 2011 in Riga, Latvia.

Girts Kesteris was born on 14 February 1964 in Valmiera, Latvian SSR, USSR [now Latvia]. He is an actor, known for Maria's Silence (2024), Swingers (2016) and Defenders of Riga (2007).

Zane Daudzina was born on 6 November 1967. She is an actress, known for UgunsGreks. Atgriesanas (2022), Tabu. Tas, par ko nerunajam (2021) and Maximum Headroom (2005). She is married to Vilis Daudzins. They have two children.

Dita Lurina is known for Romeo n' Juliet (2015), Saki Ja! (2021) and Jaungada taksometrs (2018).

Marija Berzina is known for 24 Hr Sunshine (2023), Izmisums (2019) and My Family Tree (2013).

Uldis Dumpis was born on 3 October 1943 in Bauska, Ostland [now Latvia]. He is an actor, known for Grandpa More Dangerous Than Computer (2017), Rallijs (1978) and Melna veza spiles (1976).