Inna Mikhailovna Churikova was a famous Soviet and Russian actress, renowned for her vivid work in film and theater. She was born in the town of Belebey, Bashkir ASSR, and moved to Moscow in the early 1950s. She studied at the drama studio at the Stanislavsky Theater and graduated from the Shchepkin Theater Institute. Churikova gained fame with the films 'No Path Through Fire' (1968) and 'The Beginning' (1970), directed by her future husband Gleb Panfilov. Over her career, she appeared in more than 80 films. She received many prestigious film awards, including the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival and several Nika awards. Her theatrical career was equally brilliant.

She became a leading actress of the Lenkom Theater. Among her notable stage roles was Arkadina in Chekhov's 'The Seagull', for which she was awarded the State Prize of the Russian Federation in 1996 and received the Stanislavsky Prize for contribution to theatrical art. Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1977) - For contribution to Soviet theatrical art. People's Artist of the RSFSR (1985) - For contribution to Soviet theatrical art. People's Artist of the USSR (1991) - For great contribution to Soviet theatrical art. Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters (France) (2010) - awarded for outstanding contribution to art. Honorary Member of the Russian Academy of Arts.