Leonid Gaidai - Actor Profile

Leonid Gaidai

Directing
Updated: May 11, 2026
11Total Films
7.8 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 30, 1923
Birth Place: Svobodny, Amurskaya guberniya, RSFSR, USSR

About Leonid Gaidai

Leonid Iovich Gaidai (Russian: Леони́д Ио́вич Гайда́й; 30 January 1923 – 19 November 1993; Svobodny) was a Soviet comedy film director, screenwriter and actor who enjoyed immense popularity and broad public recognition in the former Soviet Union. His films broke theatre attendance records and were some of the top-selling DVDs in Russia. He has been described as "the king of Soviet comedy".

Leonid Gaidai Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Leonid Gaidai reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 11 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Leonid Gaidai's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 45% of Leonid Gaidai's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Diamond Arm, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Leonid Gaidai Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Leonid Gaidai's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Leonid Gaidai has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2016 Георгий Вицин. Не надо смеяться Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2008 Георгий Вицин. Отшельник Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1993 There's Good Weather in Deribasovskaya, Or It's Raining Again in Brighton Beach Crazy casino player (uncredited) Average Similar →
1977 Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained - Hit Similar →
1971 12 Chairs Varfolomey Korobeinikov (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1969 The Diamond Arm drunkard (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1965 Operation Y and Other Shurik's Adventures (segment "Workmate") (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1961 In Transit - Flop Similar →
1960 Thrice Resurrected Izobretatel (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1959 The Wind Закревский Super Hit Similar →
1955 Lyana Alyosha Average Similar →

Leonid Gaidai - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Leonid Gaidai?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Leonid Gaidai is "The Diamond Arm" with a rating of 7.8/10.

How many movies has Leonid Gaidai acted in?

Leonid Gaidai has been featured in at least 11 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Leonid Gaidai?

Other notable films include "12 Chairs", "The Wind", and "Operation Y and Other Shurik's Adventures".

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