Olga Baclanova

Biography

Olga Vladimirovna Baclanova (August 19, 1896 – September 6, 1974) was a Russian actress known for her work in both film and theater. Born in Moscow, she was the daughter of actress Alexandra Baklonoff and studied drama at the Cherniavsky Institute. Baclanova joined the Moscow Art Theatre in 1912 and gained prominence in Russian cinema and stage productions throughout the 1920s. In 1925, during a performance in New York, she defected to the United States, where she became a notable figure in silent films, particularly recognized for her role in The Docks of New York (1928). However, her career faced challenges with the advent of sound films due to her accent. She is best remembered for her role as Cleopatra in the controversial 1932 film Freaks. After retiring from film in 1943, Baclanova continued to perform on stage until settling in Vevey, Switzerland, where she passed away.