Elena Safonova is an Honored Artist of Russia (2015). Daughter of the famous actor Vsevolod Safonov (1926-1992) and Mosfilm director Valeriya Rubleva. After school she worked as a librarian for two years, and then enrolled in the acting faculty of VGIK. But after studying there for two years, she returned to Leningrad, where she continued her studies at the Institute of Theater, Music and Cinematography (now the St. Petersburg State Academy of Theater Arts). After graduating from LGITMiK in 1981, she worked for one season at the Vera Komissarzhevskaya Theater. She made her film debut in the role of Lyuba in the film "I Seek My Fate" (1974).

The image of singer Salomea Krushelnytska in the film "The Return of the Butterfly" (1982, dir. Oleg Fialko) became the statement of Safonova's acting theme: a strong woman in a situation of choosing between personal happiness and an emancipated existence. However, it was the role of Olga in "Winter Cherry" (1985) that brought Elena truly nationwide recognition. This film brought wide popularity and recognition from colleagues in the arts. In 1985 she was named best actress of the year, and in 1986 she received awards for best female role at film festivals in Madrid and Alma-Ata.