People’ Artist of the Russian Federation, Winner of State Prize of the Russian Federation.
Graduated from B.V. Schukin Theater School in 1982, course of L. Stavskaya.
In the same year was admitted to the company of Evg. Vakhtangov Theater.
From 2003 has been a rector of B.V. Schukin Theater Institute.
“Trying to enter Schukin School after secondary school I failed in the second tour. I remember the comment: “Your appearance is somehow strange”. The appearance is indeed strange. Sometimes it seems out of date. Bright features (raven-head, almost gypsy-like brunet, heavy features of face) and certain introversion, under-manifestation of character. Savage look and soft contour of lips. Bewildered or vagrant smile. A little make-up and it is easy to turn Knyazev from a comedian to a tragedian and vise versa, to a villain, old man, or a leading juvenile”. (N. Kazmina)
