Who Is Andrei Tarkovsky? Age, Biography and Wiki
Andrei Tarkovsky was born on April 4, 1932, and unfortunately passed away on December 29, 1986. This means that in 2025, Tarkovsky would have been 93 years old had he still been alive. Renowned for his profound storytelling and visual artistry, Tarkovsky is often considered one of the greatest filmmakers in cinema history. His works, such as Solaris, Andrei Rublev, and Stalker, reflect philosophical and spiritual explorations, challenging viewers to contemplate the human experience.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1932 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Zavrazhye, Ivanovo Oblast, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 29 December, 1986 |
| Died Place | Paris, France |
Popularity
Andrei Tarkovsky's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Andrei Tarkovsky's physical attributes during his lifetime may vary, it is generally accepted that he stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His weight varied throughout his life, particularly during stressful periods, but he was known to maintain a relatively average build.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Andrei Tarkovsky was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Larisa Kadochnikova, whom he married in 1957. They divorced in 1970. He then married his second wife, writer and actress Irma Raush, in 1971. Tarkovsky had a son, Andrei Jr., with his first wife, and another son, Dmitry, with Irma. The filmmaker remained dedicated to his craft, which often impacted his personal relationships, making him a complex figure in both his professional and private life.
Andrei's paternal grandfather Aleksandr Karlovich Tarkovsky (in ) was a Polish nobleman who worked as a bank clerk. His wife Maria Danilovna Rachkovskaya was a Romanian language teacher who arrived from Iași.
Andrei's maternal grandmother Vera Nikolayevna Vishnyakova (née Dubasova) belonged to an old Dubasov family of Russian nobility that traces its history back to the 17th century; among her relatives was Admiral Fyodor Dubasov, a fact she had to conceal during the Soviet days.
She was married to Ivan Ivanovich Vishnyakov, a native of the Kaluga Governorate who studied law at the Moscow State University and served as a judge in Kozelsk.
Net Worth and Salary
Throughout his career, Tarkovsky faced both acclaim and hardship. By the time of his death, his estimated net worth was approximately $2 million. His earnings fluctuated based on the success of his films, which were both critically acclaimed and often struggled historically with production funding. In the decades following his passing, Tarkovsky's films have gained even more appreciation and analysis, further solidifying his legacy in cinema.
Career, Business and Investments
Tarkovsky's career spanned over two decades, during which he directed seven feature films, several short films, and documentaries. He was known for his unique visual style, characterized by long takes and philosophical depth. His works continue to influence filmmakers worldwide, with Tarkovsky's techniques often studied in film schools. Beyond filmmaking, he sought opportunities in artistic photography and wrote extensively about cinema's spiritual dimensions.
Tarkovsky was the recipient of numerous accolades throughout his career, including the FIPRESCI prize, the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and the Grand Prix Spécial du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival in addition to the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for his debut film, Ivan's Childhood as well as the BAFTA Film Award for The Sacrifice.
In 1990, he was posthumously awarded the Soviet Union's prestigious Lenin Prize. Three of his films—Andrei Rublev, Mirror, and Stalker—featured in Sight & Sound 2012 poll of the 100 greatest films of all time.
Social Network
While Tarkovsky did not engage with social media platforms, his legacy is celebrated on various online forums and fan pages dedicated to cinematic discussions. Several film enthusiasts and scholars maintain websites that analyze his work, ensuring that his contributions to film are discussed and appreciated even decades after his passing.
Tarkovsky's teacher and mentor was Mikhail Romm, who taught many film students who would later become influential film directors. In 1956, Tarkovsky directed his first student short film, The Killers, from a short story of Ernest Hemingway. The longer television film There Will Be No Leave Today followed in 1959.
Both films were a collaboration between the VGIK students. Classmate Aleksandr Gordon, who married Tarkovsky's sister, in particular directed, wrote, edited, and acted in the two films with Tarkovsky.
Education
Andrei Tarkovsky attended the Moscow State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK), where he studied film under the guidance of notable filmmakers. His educational background played a crucial role in shaping his artistic vision, blending classic narrative structures with personal and philosophical themes, which continue to resonate with audiences today.
In his school years, Tarkovsky was a troublemaker and a poor student. He still managed to graduate, and from 1951 to 1952 studied Arabic at the Oriental Institute in Moscow, a branch of the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union.
He did not finish his studies and dropped out to work as a prospector for the Academy of Science Institute for Non-Ferrous Metals and Gold. He participated in a year-long research expedition to the river Kureyka near Turukhansk in the Krasnoyarsk Province. During this time in the taiga, Tarkovsky decided to study film.
