Kozak finds love despite gap
The actor’s screen persona contrasts with his settled family life described in the article.
Viewers are used to seeing Nikolai Kozak as a rugged hero, as in the series «Strazhnik» (16+), or an unbending investigator, as in «Chikatilo» (18+). On screen he embodies a strength that will overcome any hardship for a happy ending. But in real life the actor’s path to personal happiness proved far more complicated and dramatic than that of his characters. Before finding his safe harbor, he had to endure a trial that would have broken many and go against social norms.
«Thanks to Dad — he was incredibly handy»
Carpenter, joiner, builder — his parents saw little Nikolai as anyone but an actor. They were ordinary working people, far from the world of art. When Nikolai was just three, the family settled in the Ukrainian settlement of Novoyavorovsk (Lviv Oblast, near Lviv). From then on the boy saw daily how his parents, their friends and neighbors came home exhausted after long shifts at the mining and chemical plant where sulfur was extracted.
Monotonous days in the dormitory were brightened by courtyard games and the moments when his father had a day off and taught Nikolai to make things with his own hands.
«Thanks to my dad — he was incredibly handy, and he gladly shared his skills with his son, for which I’m grateful. I still keep his hand plane; sometimes I take it and remember my father, who could craft practically anything: build a house from the foundation to the roof, and even furnish it with what we’d now call handcrafted furniture», Kozak said in one interview.
Kozak recounts key milestones and setbacks from his career and private life.
Nikolai did not dream of an acting career until graduation, although after classes he attended a drama club and made some progress. After receiving his certificate, he tried to enter a forestry technical school but failed the exams. Then a chance radio announcement changed his life: the theater studio at the Lviv Academic Theatre named after Mariia Zankovetska (Teatr imeni Marii Zankovetskoi) announced admissions. Nikolai decided to try.
«I asked: “What’s required to get in?” — “Learn and recite several monologues before the admissions panel.” I had no idea what monologues were. My interlocutor clarified: “Well, for example, Hamlet’s monologue.”»
Nikolai went to the library, learned “To be or not to be?” and entered the theater program. He was accepted even though he lacked musical ear, which mattered. But the studies didn’t last long — he was drafted into the army.
«I had 10 Soviet rubles (at current rates, $0) and army‑issue underwear»
For two years Nikolai served in the tank troops on the border with Romania, rising to the rank of senior sergeant. By his account, the army steeled him and shaped his character.
«All sorts of things happened. I had to fight, defend myself, and carve out my own space. The army teaches a lot about survival and definitely shapes a person. I was no exception — I learned to stand up for myself», Kozak recalls of those hard years.
One of Kozak’s early television roles helped expand his visibility beyond regional theater.
Upon returning, Kozak wanted to continue studying, but the studio had closed. On a teacher’s advice, he went to Kazan to pursue his education. The move became a true test of endurance.
«When I arrived in Kazan after the army, I had 10 Soviet rubles (at current rates, $0) and, pardon the detail, army‑issue underwear», Nikolai shared.
Nikolai managed to enroll in a theater school, but studies were hard, especially Russian language. In his very first exam session, he scraped by with only a three for it, which cost him his stipend. To survive and earn at least some money, Kozak took a job as a janitor.
Nikolai refused to give up after the first setback; he buried himself in textbooks, and perseverance paid off. From his second year he was already appearing on the stage of the Kazan Drama Theater named after Vasily Ivanovich Kachalov (Teatr imeni V. I. Kachalova). He served there for 15 years and became one of the troupe’s leading actors. Over time a conflict with the artistic director grew, and Kozak ultimately decided to leave.
«I put up with it for a very long time. In the end I told him to go to hell and left», Kozak says candidly.
«I feared the 17‑year difference»
In parallel with career ups and downs, a personal drama unfolded. The actor’s first marriage, to his classmate Tatyana, lasted 15 years. She supported him when there was no money or work and didn’t complain about living in a dorm. Financial hardships didn’t break their love, but then came a worse tragedy — she lost unborn twins.
«The pregnancy was lost at a very early stage. After that Tanya developed fear», Kozak recalled.
The relationship cracked. Nikolai wanted a child; Tatyana wasn’t ready to try again and threw herself entirely into work. The spouses drifted farther apart, and at some point another man occupied Tatyana’s thoughts. Nikolai didn’t stage jealous scenes or try to hold his wife back.
«Tanya fell in love, and I let her go. I remember his name was Sergei. I once saw them in a car, knocked on the window and said: “Guys, let’s make a decision already.” And that was it — that’s how we parted», the actor shared.
After the divorce, Nikolai began going through women one after another, but he didn’t open his heart to any of them. The chain of short romances was broken by 17‑year‑old Elena Pantyushina.
He discusses moving to Moscow during his wife’s pregnancy and rebuilding his career.
Kozak had known the daughter of his friend and fellow actor since she was a toddler. The girl was a frequent visitor to the theater and, when she grew up, the 34‑year‑old actor felt anything but fatherly feelings. At the same time Nikolai realized not everyone would understand their love, and he was very worried about the age difference.
«I was afraid of that moment. I was afraid because of the 17 years’ difference. And I said: “Lena, I’m older than you.” She said: “I never want to hear that again.”»
The couple married on 5 May 2005. The lovers didn’t throw a lavish celebration and simply had a quiet civil ceremony.
«Turns out you can do it without rings, without witnesses and without a white dress. Some weddings are celebrated for a thousand people and the couple splits six months later, and we’ve been together for 20 years», Nikolai says with pride.
«I have a family to feed»
After leaving the Kazan theater, Kozak worked in Tolyatti and Krasnoyarsk, but he understood that for a real breakthrough he needed to go to Moscow. At 40, when his wife was close to giving birth, Nikolai packed a suitcase and set out to conquer the capital.
«My wife and I decided that she would give birth, and I would go to Moscow to break through», the actor said on the program «Sud’ba cheloveka» (16+).
In 2006 Kozak joined the troupe of the Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army (Tsentralny akademichesky teatr Rossiyskoy armii, TsATRA), but that wasn’t enough. At the same time he began storming film studios, running to casting calls. Nikolai feared ending up again in the poverty he had lived in with his first wife and was ready to take any roles.
The interview covers his first marriage, miscarriage tragedy, and later family happiness.
In 2007 he first appeared on screen in the series «Ekstrennyi vyzov» (16+), and from then on he didn’t go a single year without roles. Also in 2007 his daughter Sonya was born, and three years later — Anya. Kozak now had to care for three important women in his life at once.
«I have a family to feed», he answered categorically to any talk of rest.
Kozak often portrays resolute investigators or hardened men across contemporary crime dramas.
Workaholism and talent helped Kozak build a filmography of more than 140 works. He continues to act actively, taking part in five or more major projects a year. All of it is for his daughters, whom he had dreamed of.
