Olga Kurylenko: Ukrainian and French Actress
Olga Kurylenko first became known as a model, appearing on numerous covers of fashion magazines before she made her screen debut in 2005 with films like LAnnulaire, The November Man, and Mission Control.
Olga Kurylenko is best known for her portrayal of Bond girl Camille Montes in Quantum of Solace, though her film roles range from sensual to action. Born and raised in Russia but French by birth and raised as such.
Olga Kurylenko’s Biography
Olga Kurylenko was born in Berdyansk, located in southeastern Ukraine. She is an accomplished Ukrainian-French actress and model who has garnered great renown through films like Hitman: Quantum of Solace; To the Wonder and Black Widow. Additionally, she made appearances on magazine covers like Elle, Marie Claire, and Madame Figaro as a former fashion model, in addition to representing brands like Bebe and Helena Rubinstein as their spokespersons.
Kurylenko began modeling after she was discovered by a talent scout at 13 and relocated to Paris the following year for further success in modeling. Within a short amount of time, she graced many fashion magazine covers and became associated with brands such as Bebe and Clarins.
After finding success as a model, Kurylenko turned her hand to acting. In 2001 she made her television show debut in Largo Winch; appearing for two seasons before it was canceled. Later in 2005, she made her big screen debut in L’Annulaire.
Kurylenko had great success in both critical and commercial success with this film, marking a long career of film roles such as Oblivion (2013) and Max Payne (2008), Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy Seven Psychopaths (2012), Terry Gilliam’s fantasy adventure The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018) among many more high-profile projects.
Kurylenko has made headlines for both her acting in films and television series as well as her charitable efforts. She has donated money to aid children living in poverty in her home country of Ukraine as well as working to advance women’s rights there.
Kurylenko has brought distinction and pride to her homeland through her acting and modeling career, leading the mayor of her hometown to name a street after her. She serves as an important example for young girls throughout Russia.
Olga Kurylenko’s Relationship
Olga Kurylenko has been married twice and currently resides in London with Max Benitz, where they share Alexander Max Horatio born in October 2015. Before Max Benitz, she was previously married to French photographer Cedric Van Mol and they divorced four years later before marrying American businessman Damian Gabrielle in 2006. Unfortunately, they both ended their relationship in late 2007.
She has modeled for several fashion magazines such as Elle, Marie Claire, and Madame Figaro; appearing on many covers and being the face of many cosmetic and clothing brands. Her success as a model enabled her to enter the film industry. First, she appeared in the Tellement Je T’aime music video by French-Algerian Rai style singer Faudel; she then made her film debut with L’Annulaire before co-starring alongside Elijah Wood in Paris Je T’aime segment (Quartier de la Madeleine).
Hollywood has provided her with an opportunity to travel and work with some of Hollywood’s biggest directors and actors, from horror to science fiction films. Her unique beauty has allowed her to shine on screen and her role as Camille Montesnaga de Perloskivichin made her an international star in Quantum of Solace.
After her stunning performance in Quantum of Solace, Kurylenko has gone on to appear in numerous other films and lend her voice and likeness for use in its video game counterpart. Notable films she has appeared in include Armando Iannucci’s political satire The Death of Stalin; Terry Gilliam’s epic adventure The Man Who Killed Don Quixote; and Tom Cruise’s sci-fi flick Oblivion.
Kurylenko enjoys an active social life, spending much of her free time with friends. She is also a staunch supporter of charity, having founded multiple foundations that assist underprivileged children in Ukraine. A typical day for Kurylenko involves exercise, practicing yoga and meditation followed by eating breakfast (eggs with toast) before attending casting auditions where she meets directors – ending the day by meeting with agents and working on scripts for future projects.
Olga Kurylenko’s Personal Life
Olga Kurylenko was born November 14th, 1979 in Berdiansk Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union). At three years old her parents, Konstantin and Marina Alyabusheva, divorced, leaving Kurylenko under her mother’s care – during this time he started learning piano alongside art, languages, and ballet studies as well. Today Olga speaks English French and Russian fluently.
Kurylenko began modeling at age 13 after being discovered by a model scout while on vacation in Moscow. After signing with Paris-based Madison modeling agency, she quickly rose through the ranks to become a top-tier model, appearing on covers such as Vogue and Elle magazines as well as serving as the face of various cosmetic brands and lingerie manufacturers.
Kurylenko has made numerous film and TV show appearances throughout her acting career. These include action and science fiction flicks such as Terrence Malick’s To the Wonder (2012), Martin McDonagh’s Seven Psychopaths (2014), and Tom Cruise’s science fiction flick Oblivion (2013); she also featured in the 2014 historical drama film The Water Diviner alongside Russell Crowe and Jacqueline McKenzie as well as television shows Vampire Academy and Momentum.
Her first big break came when she won the role of Camille Montes in Quantum of Solace (2008) – she played both Camille Montes and Nika Boronia in the Hitman videogame adaptation film.
Kurylenko has managed to strike an ideal balance between work and play in her life as an actress and model, traveling, and family time. She and her former husband Max Benitz share Alexander, whom they currently live with in London along with Alexander’s spouses and daughter-in-law. Additionally, she enjoys reading and animal rights activism and served on the jury of the 2007 Brussels International Film Festival as a judge.
Olga Kurylenko’s Hollywood Career
Olga Kurylenko is an accomplished French actress renowned for her roles in science fiction and action movies. She made her mark in films like Hitman (2007) and the Max Payne film adaptation (2008), but her true breakthrough came when she played Camille Montes in Quantum of Solace (2008); this role brought international acclaim and helped catapult her Hollywood career forward ever since; starring roles such as Oblivion (with Tom Cruise as lead) being just two examples.
Olga was raised solely by Marina Alyabysheva, an art teacher of Belarusian and Russian descent who divorced when Olga was three and became the sole caretaker for her upbringing and upbringing. Olga has spoken openly about Marina’s influence on her life and career.
Kurylenko was discovered by an agent at age 13 and began modeling. By 16, she moved to Paris, quickly making a name for herself: covering Elle, Madame Figaro, and Marie Claire magazines while modeling for Lejaby Lingerie & Bebe Stores as well as being featured in Clarins & Helena Rubinstein cosmetics campaigns.
In 2006, Kurylenko began her film acting career, appearing in two French movies (L’Annulaire and Paris Je T’aime) before landing her breakthrough role as the femme fatale in Max Payne; which received both critical and commercial acclaim – earning Kurylenko rave reviews for her performance.
Kurylenko made her acting debut in 2013’s sci-fi flick Oblivion alongside Tom Cruise. Set in 2077 on an Earth devastated by alien war, this dystopian drama stars Kurylenko as Cruise’s wife in this dystopic tale.
Olga Kurylenko has been featured in several other noteworthy movies, such as Terrence Malick’s To the Wonder (2012), Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy Seven Psychopaths (2013), and Armando Iannucci’s political satire The Death of Stalin (2017). Additionally, she has made appearances in the television series Magic City as well as French movies.
