Margarita Vladimirovna Levieva, born on February 9, 1980, is an American actress of Russian Jewish descent, known for her versatile roles across television and film.
Early Life
- Birthplace: Born in Leningrad, Russian SFSR (now Saint Petersburg, Russia), into a family with a rich heritage of Russian Jewish descent.
- Historical Ties: Both of Margarita’s grandmothers survived the siege of Leningrad during World War II, a testament to her family’s resilience.
- Rhythmic Gymnastics: Margarita began engaging in rhythmic gymnastics at the tender age of three, showing early promise and discipline.
Journey to America
- Emigration to the U.S.: At the age of 11, Margarita, along with her mother and twin brother Michael, immigrated to the United States and settled in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.
- Education: Though accepted into Laguardia High School for dance, Margarita opted for public high school in Secaucus, New Jersey.
- Despite her rigorous schedule working as a fashion buyer, Margarita graduated a year early from New York University.
- She completed a double major in economics and psychology with minors in philosophy, sociology, and Russian history.
- Acting Pursuit: Following her academic achievements, Margarita honed her acting skills at the William Esper Studio in New York.
Career Highlights
- Early Roles: Margarita’s career took off with a guest appearance on “Law & Order: Trial by Jury” in 2005.
- TV and Film: Over the years, she starred in various films such as “The Invisible,” “Sleeping with Other People,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” and “Adventureland.”
- Broadway and Drama: Margarita made her Broadway debut in “Impressionism” and starred in the play “The Retributionists.”
- Notable TV Series:
- “Revenge” (2011–2015): A series regular role showcasing Margarita’s range as Amanda Clarke.
- “The Deuce” (2016–2019): Played Abby Parker, an adventurous college student, in this HBO series.
- Recent Work:
- “In From the Cold” (2022): Stars as Jenny Franklin, a single mother with a mysterious past, in the Netflix series.
- Upcoming Projects:
- “The Acolyte”: Cast in the Star Wars spinoff series.
- “Daredevil: Born Again”: Portrays Heather Glenn, the love interest of Matt Murdock/Daredevil in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series.
Personal Life
- Motherhood: Margarita announced her pregnancy on Mother’s Day in 2022, sharing the joyous news of expecting a baby.
- She later revealed on Mother’s Day in 2023 that she welcomed a baby boy into her family.
Margarita Levieva’s journey from rhythmic gymnastics in Russia to acclaimed roles in Hollywood reflects her talent, dedication, and diverse experiences. As she continues to captivate audiences with her performances, her personal milestones in motherhood add another layer to her multifaceted life.