Born on September 24, 1994, in Svietlahorsk, Belarus, Aleksandra Bortich is one of the most successful and sought-after actresses of her generation in Russian cinema. Known for her natural acting style and fearless approach to roles, she famously gained and then lost 20 kilograms (44 lbs) for her lead role in the comedy I Am Losing Weight (2018). Despite having no formal acting education—having failed to enter theater school before working as a waitress—she has starred in some of the highest-grossing Russian films of all time, including the historical epic Viking and the satirical hit Kholop (Son of a Rich).