**Maksim Munzuk (1912-1999)** was a Tuvan actor, primarily known for his role in Akira Kurosawa's Soviet-Japanese film *Dersu Uzala* (1975).

In the film, Munzuk masterfully portrayed the character of the hunter and guide Dersu Uzala, a wise man in harmony with the wild nature of the Siberian taiga. His performance, characterized by authenticity and profound humanity, was crucial for the international success of the film, which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

His acting style was distinguished by its naturalness and dignity, often embodying figures connected to indigenous traditions and the natural environment. Although *Dersu Uzala* is his most famous role, Munzuk participated in several other Soviet films, solidifying his reputation as a character actor capable of imbuing his characters with great depth.