Varvara Popova

Varvara Popova was a Russian character actress in silent films, also known for her brilliant cameos as a typical Russian "babushka" in Frosty (1964) and several other films of the 1960s. She was born Varvara Aleksandrovna Popova on December 17, 1899, in Samara, Russia. In 1919 - 22, Popova studied acting under Yevgeni Vakhtangov, who regarded Popova as his favorite student for her unique natural talent. Popova was completely unspoiled by the trappings of civilization, she led a simple life, and was an unusually modest person amongst the lifestyle of entertainers around her. During the 1920s and 1930s she was cast in films by such directors as Yakov Protazanov, Leonid Obolensky, and Lev Arnshtam. From 1922 to 1956 Varvara Popova was a permanent member of the troupe at Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow.