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One of Russia's best supporting and character actresses of the 1960s, Maya Bulgakova was best known for her dramatic performances. A dark blonde with a narrow face and serious demeanor, she specialized in war dramas, playing ordinary Russian women who showed courage and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity. She was also skilled in playing comedic characters. Her most famous role was that of Catherina in Prestuplenyie i Nakazanyie/Crime and Punishment (1970). A graduate of the Soviet Institute of Cinematography (VGIK), Bulgakova first gained widespread acclaim for playing Partisan Alyona in Povest Plamennykh Let/Flaming Years (1961). Other notable roles include that of former war pilot Nadezhda Petrukhina in Wings (1966) and Nurse Maria in Vogne Broda Net. In 1977, she received the designation of the People's Artist of the USSR. In addition to her film work, she had been involved with the Actor's Theatre-Studio since 1955. Though she was never a major star, Bulgakova was well-loved in Moscow's movie community and there was considerable mourning after she was killed in a car accident on October 11, 1994.