Russian actor, screenwriter, and public figure Ivan Oxlobyustin turned 59 on July 22. This was reported by Upl.uz.
His life and career constitute a complex mosaic made up of many contrasting aspects. Ivan Oxlobyustin's life path includes a period of activity as a clergyman of the Orthodox Church and a successful acting career in the film industry.
Analyzing his career reveals not only his personal transformations but also significant trends in Russia's cultural and social life over the last three decades. Ivan Oxlobyustin faced unique circumstances in shaping his identity.
He was born in the Tula region. His father, military doctor Ivan Ivanovich Oxlobyustin, was 62 years old, while his mother, one of his students, Albina Belyaeva, was only 19.
Although this age difference led to the family's separation, the birth of their child was the result of mutual desire. After his mother's remarriage, Ivan was raised by his grandmother on his mother's side.
His grandmother's upbringing was strict, with physical punishments, including beating with a belt, used as a pedagogical method. This experience can be said to have influenced the formation of his complex and sometimes informal character.
Ivan Oxlobyustin developed an interest in cinema from childhood, greatly influenced by Mark Zakharov's film "A Simple Miracle." When he attempted to enter the All-Union State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK), he surprised the admissions committee by stating that he came not for entertainment but to radically change national cinema.
Although this unconventional approach initially received a rejection, he was later accepted into the study program. His first major role was in the 1991 war drama "Noga," where he wished to detach from his character.
For this reason, he used the pseudonym Ivan Chuzhoy instead of his real name. The reason was that the character's suicide did not align with his worldview.
Despite his eccentric public image, Ivan Oxlobyustin's personal life demonstrates stability. He has been married to actress Oksana Arbuza for 30 years.
Their acquaintance took place at VGIK. Their relationship was not easy, as Oksana's parents were concerned about Ivan's peculiar behavior.
There is a widely circulated story about Ivan cutting his chest to demonstrate his trust in his beloved when he doubted her sincerity. In 2001, Ivan Oxlobyustin was ordained a priest in the Moscow Orthodox Church.
His wife Oksana fully supported him and took the name matushka Ksenia. For several years, he served in Moscow churches.
However, due to the needs of a large family, as they raised six children, he was temporarily suspended from service and continued his acting career. This decision was received differently in society.
Apart from his own children, Ivan Oxlobyustin also cares for over 50 sponsored children. Among his many roles, he is widely recognized for playing therapist Andrey Bykov in the series "Interns."
He also portrayed psychologist Lev Arnoldovich in the comedy "Kholop," which was one of the key reasons for the film's success.
The third part of this film is expected to be released in 2026. Ivan Oxlobyustin created the character Bolta in the criminal series "Polyarny," who manages a northern city and stands out for his intelligence and sense of humor.
In the historical drama "Zagovor," filmed in 2007, he played the controversial figure in Russian history, Grigory Rasputin. In the detective series "Freud's Method," he plays a prosecutor psychologist.
