Aleksey Solodov

Aleksey Solodov

My name is Aleksey Solodov and if you are reading this, then you must want to know a little more about me. That's OK, I don't blame you. Who wouldn't want to know more about me?

I was born in Kiev , Ukraine on a cold winter's day in January, the 29th 1982. Several month before my birth, my father, Eugene, was drafted into the great army of the Soviet Union . He didn’t get a chance and was not allowed to see me till I was 10 months old. Times were tough and my mother, Helen, was forced to work three jobs to support our family. During much of this time I was raised by my grandmother Valentina. She was a kind and loving person, a simple woman who taught me about the simplicity of life.

In 1990 my little sister, Mariya, was born. She has been trouble ever since, but she's worth it every minute. I went to school at the High School of Kiev #306, and while in school I was drawn to the performing arts, finding myself in a variety of school plays. I learned to play the guitar and spent as much time as I could on or near the stage, helping with countless stage activities, and even directing.

Graduated in May of 1999, and six short months later my parents gave me the opportunity to come to the United States . I could hardly wait. In the fall of 2001, I enrolled at Des Moines Area Community College and continued to study theatre acting. I made many friends through my experiences there, and I was also introduced to the idea of acting on film and in movies. I fell in love with it instantly. During my tenure at DMACC I was lucky enough to be chosen for leading parts in three different theatre releases, two of which were the well-known classics 'Everyman' and 'Tartuffe.'

Since my time at the DMACC theatre I have moved on to many different and exciting things. I have performed in commercials for Des Moines businesses as well as the Iowa Lottery, and have developed a passion for stand-up comedy. I perform as often as I can, and my comedy has been featured at various local venues around the Des Moines area, including The Des Moines Civic Center’s Stoner Theatre. I have played leading and supporting roles in a number of independent films and was also a featured extra on the cast of Absurda Productions’ Janie Jones.

I am constantly working to improve the craft that I love, and am currently training in much more advanced acting techniques. I am learning an incredible amount in a class taught by Kimberly Busbee of AriesWorks Entertainment, who has done so much to expand my knowledge and skills.

What's the secret to my success, you ask? Well I think that in the United States a good work ethic will take you a very long way. If you aren't lazy, if you have a little common sense and a lot of friends, you will go far in life. I am just like you, working hard at the dream I've got, saving my pennies, and keeping my nose down. I love a good game of pool over a few beers with some good company, and I always try to keep in mind the lessons of my grandmother: Keep things simple.

AlexSolodov.com