**Anatoly Solonitsyn (1934-1982)** was a prominent Soviet actor, renowned for his intense performances and close collaboration with director Andrei Tarkovsky, with whom he became one of the most emblematic faces.

His cinematic career was inextricably linked to Tarkovsky, who cast him in iconic roles: the painter-monk in *Andrei Rublev* (1966), Dr. Sartorius in *Solaris* (1972), and the Writer in *Stalker* (1979). Solonitsyn excelled at portraying complex characters, often intellectual or tormented, grappling with profound existential and spiritual dilemmas, characterized by a penetrating gaze and a magnetic presence.

Among his other significant appearances was his role in Larisa Shepitko's war drama *The Ascent* (1977). His profound and measured acting left an indelible mark on international art-house cinema.