In a recent interview, actor Yuri Kuznetsov drew a clear line around the kind of roles he pursues, saying he avoids parts grounded in violence and fury. He emphasizes that choosing characters isn’t about chasing controversy or sensationalism but about aligning with what truly resonates on a personal level. The artist highlights the freedom to express a range of thoughts, feelings, affections, and aversions, insisting that he passed the professional suitability threshold long ago and now relies on honesty as his guiding compass in every project.
Over the latest seasons, Kuznetsov has been working more frequently with younger directors. He welcomes these collaborations, believing that fresh viewpoints push him to evolve and keep his craft vital. He also clarifies that he does not view himself as a difficult figure on screen; instead, he places trust in the directors, supporting their vision and embracing cinema’s collaborative nature. The stance underlines a shared belief that cinema is a team effort, where direction and performance converge to tell compelling stories across borders.
Now 77, the performer describes a disciplined routine that helps maintain mental focus. Rest does not always come easy, yet even during quiet breaks his mind remains engaged with the craft, the world, and the ongoing conversations it inspires. He reflects on a demanding year marked by seven projects in the preceding year and the one before it, with three obligations already on the slate for the current year. He smiles at the calendar, noting that April is still early and that more opportunities lie ahead. The simple pleasures of daily life, such as watching ducks glide across a tranquil pond, reinforce his belief that renewal—like spring—is an ongoing part of life and work, inviting growth rather than complacency.
Kuznetsov launched his film career in 1983 with Torpedo Bombers, a debut that laid the groundwork for a long and varied body of work. He is widely remembered for his portrayal of German Hoffmann in the acclaimed Brother, directed by Alexei Balabanov, a performance that helped him establish a presence on both national and international screens. Another standout role is Lieutenant Colonel Petrenko in the television series Streets of Broken Lanterns, a performance that broadened his recognition among television audiences and cinephiles alike, and solidified his status as a versatile figure in contemporary cinema and television across Canada, the United States, and beyond.