Alexei Gorbunov: a legend of theater, cinema and music
Alexei Gorbunov is one of the brightest and charismatic artists of the post-Soviet space. This artist is called a rebel, romantic, musician and actor, who manages to have an equally strong impact on the audience in the theater and in the cinema. He can reincarnate in a variety of characters: from gangster to intellectual, from rocker to official.
The path from rebel to People's Artist
The biography of Alexei Gorbunov tells about a man who went from scandalous roles in the youth theater to the title of People's Artist of Ukraine. The audience loved him for truthfulness and sincerity in the frame and on stage, for talent and diligence, as well as for how easily he reincarnates in his characters.
Early years in Kiev
Alexei Gorbunov was born in Kiev in 1961, his childhood was spent on the Rusanovka massif. The future artist early became interested in music and movies. He liked to listen to records, was fond of playing the guitar.
Already in his school years, he stood out among his peers artistry and the ability to parody. And, being in high school, Alexei seriously lit up with the idea of getting an acting education.
After school Gorbunov entered, although not immediately, in the theater institute in Kiev, where he began to study acting. During these years he formed as a person, found his way and determined the future.
His student years were full of rehearsals, the first productions and eternal arguments about what a real theater should be. Inside him matured the desire to break the templates and search for new forms.
Becoming an actor's career
At the beginning of his creative career, the artist did not get big roles, but the audience quickly noticed his charisma and lively energy. Each of his roles attracted attention, even if they were small episodes.
Gradually he became a sought-after actor, colleagues on the stage also began to recognize his talent. So began the career of Alexei Gorbunov, which later led him to the status of People's Artist of Ukraine and brought the love of millions of fans.
Transition to roles in the movies
Although he began his creative path on the theater stage, first of all Gorbunov is known and popular as a film actor. His first great success in the cinema was a role in the movie "Cargo without marking" (1984). It was this work was a real breakthrough for him and opened the way to further filming. In the movie he played the main character.
After the debut, the artist began to actively shoot, cooperating with famous directors. His heroes were different - from romantics to criminal characters. He quickly gained popularity thanks to his sincerity and depth of play. The public loved him for his ability to create real people on the screen.
Already by the 1990s, actor Alexei Gorbunov became one of the most sought-after artists of the post-Soviet space. His shooting took place in Russia, Ukraine and other countries.
Star filmography of Alexei Gorbunov
In his first film, the actor began to shoot right on the day of graduation from the Kiev Theater Institute in 1984. It was Vladimir Popkov's film "Cargo without labeling", where Gorbunov played the main character - customs officer Eugene Stenko.
Then he worked until 1995 in the theater-studio of the film actor film studio named after A. Dovzhenk. A. Dovzhenk, but because of the crisis received only passable roles and had to moonlight. The artist returned to full-fledged shooting at the suggestion of the same Vladimir Popkov, whom he considers his godfather in the film industry. The director offered Gorbunov the role of the jester Shiko in the multi-part movie "The Countess de Monsoro", which brought the actor's career to a new level.
Cult films in which the actor played.
The real fame came to Gorbunov after the movie "The Countess de Monsoro". His character was so vivid and memorable largely because the actor himself considered Shiko close to himself. According to his memories, Popkov's call with a proposal to star in his project literally brought Alexei back to life when he was broke, suffering from lack of demand and frustration.
Also in his track record of work in such cult films as "Birthday Burzhuya", "Statistical Advisor", "Stilyagi", "Inhabited Island" and others. The game Gorbunov earned the recognition of critics and people's love.
Shooting in TV series
In the acting career of Alexei Gorbunov, films alternated with television series. Among the most vivid of his works can be recalled:
- The role of Gall in the series "Kamenskaya" and its sequels;
- the role of Savely Ivanovich Monakhov in "Turetsky's March";
- the role of Mishka Yaponchik in the series "Utyosov. A song long in life."
Also remembered by TV viewers his game in the series "Red Chapel", "Sherlock Holmes," "Haytarma", "Shuler". It is noteworthy at the same time that the actor played even in the French TV series "Legends Bureau" in 2019. There he was FSB Colonel Karlov, who recruited the main character.
How Gorbunov creates his characters
The secret of his success lies in the ability to deeply feel the character. Each of his heroes has its own inner world, history and character. He always carefully prepares for shooting, studying the era, details and psychology of the image. For him it is important that the viewer believes in the truth.
The actor also painstakingly prepares and for roles in the theater. Recognition on stage, he received later than in the movies, but each of his role is a deep look at the character and a large part of the success of the production.Today, the work of the maestro of the stage is appreciated by both ordinary viewers and critics. He is called a master of reincarnations: actor Alexei Gorbunov knows how to create images that remain in memory for many years.
Musical side of Gorbunov's work: the group "Pilot's Sadness"
In addition to his acting career, Gorbunov is still very widely known as a musician. He founded the group "Pilot's Sadness", which performs author's songs.
The band releases albums, gives concerts and tours in Ukraine and other countries. The musical part of life has always been important for him. His songs are characterized by depth of lyrics and special mood. Personal experience and philosophy of the artist can be felt in them.
Alexei Gorbunov today: projects and plans
Alexei Gorbunov now continues to work actively. He participates in new films, plays in the theater and plans new productions.
Recently, the artist starred in several films that received positive reviews in the press. His roles are becoming more mature and deep.
New films and theater productions
In September 2025, a movie with Gorbunov "Malevich" is released on the big screens, where he got the role of the main antagonist. He also, together with the group "Pilot's Sadness" regularly goes on stage with musical concerts, continuing to please his fans. Both concerts and theater productions with his participation, as well as performances of Ukrainian artists, fans always look forward to them.
Interesting facts about Gorbunov, which not everyone knows
It is interesting to note that about Alexei Gorbunov there are quite a few facts that are not known to everyone. For example, as a child, Alyosha was a bigot and a hooligan, and at an older age became a farmer and sold first gum, and then jeans. For this he was once even taken to the police, but fortunately it had no negative consequences for him.
Another curious story of his admission to the Kiev theater institute named after I.K. Karpenko-Karpenko-Karogo. The future artist got there only from the second time and that "by acquaintance". When Alexey worked at the Lesya Ukrainka Theater as an ordinary worker, he was noticed by the famous actress Ada Rogovtseva and introduced her husband.
Konstantin Stepankov was then just leading a course at the institute, and after a heart-to-heart talk with Gorbunov immediately took him to himself, seeing in the young man a remarkable talent. According to Stepankov, he never regretted it, because Alexei always strived to be the first in everything and was the brightest student of the group.
Of the interesting facts about the actor can be recalled more such:
- His filmography counts more than 175 films;
- in 2021 starred in a small role in the movie "The Last Mercenary" with Jean-Claude Van Damme;
- his musical group was originally called Sadness Unmasked;
- Gorbunov currently lives in Kiev and Odessa, traveling abroad for filming and for his creative evenings.
The actor's plans for the future are associated with the expansion of creativity, new experiments in film and music. Today Alexey actively maintains his pages in social networks and pays special attention to his Optimus Gang project in Tik Tok, where he posts informative facts and various interesting moments.
FAQ
What was Alexei Gorbunov's first movie role that was a breakthrough for him?
A breakthrough for the actor was the role in the movie "Cargo Unmarked". There he played a young customs officer Evgeny Stenko.
In what films and TV series Gorbunov is remembered by viewers most of all?
Viewers remembered Alexei for his roles in the films "The Countess de Monsoro" (1997), "The Birthday of Bourgeois" (1999), "Stilyagi" (2008), TV series "Kamenskaya" (1999-2000), "Sherlock Holmes" (2013) and others.
What does Alexei Gorbunov do besides acting career?
He is actively developing as a musician, leads a project in Tik Tok, tours Ukraine and abroad.
