Meet Marina Kofman | Actress & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marina Kofman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marina, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career as an actress because I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and the exploration of human emotions. Growing up, I was fascinated by films and performances that made me feel something deeply, whether it was joy, sadness, or inspiration. Acting became a way for me to express parts of myself that words alone couldn’t capture. It allows me to step into different lives, experience a variety of perspectives, and communicate universal truths through characters.

Another key reason for choosing this path was my desire to connect with others. Art has a unique way of bringing people together, fostering empathy, and sparking important conversations. As an actress, I have the opportunity to engage with audiences on an emotional level and help them see the world through different lenses. That kind of connection and impact is incredibly fulfilling.

I also see acting as a lifelong journey of growth and discovery. Each role offers a new challenge, whether it’s delving into complex emotions, mastering a new skill, or adapting to different styles of storytelling. The creative freedom and continuous learning that comes with this career are what keep me passionate about it. Ultimately, I pursued acting because it aligns with my deepest need for expression, creativity, and human connection.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art as an actress lies in creating characters that feel real and authentic, allowing the audience to connect with the emotions and stories being told. What sets me apart is my unique blend of experience both in front of and behind the camera. My background as a stylist on movie sets has given me a deeper understanding of how a character’s physical appearance—costume, makeup, and even posture—plays into their emotional and psychological presence. I approach each role with this holistic view, which helps me bring extra depth to the characters I portray.

I’m most proud of the variety of projects I’ve taken part in. Each project has taught me something new, both about myself and about the craft of acting. What excites me most is the endless opportunity for growth—there’s always a new character to explore, a new story to tell, and new creative challenges to face.

My journey has been anything but easy. Moving from small Siberian town to pursue an acting career was a huge step, and it came with its own set of challenges. At first, I faced a lot of uncertainty, not having many connections in the industry and dealing with the financial instability that comes with being a freelance artist. Rejection is a big part of the acting world, and there were times when I questioned whether I could keep going.

But I’ve learned that perseverance is key. The love for my craft and the drive to keep improving pushed me through the hard times. I focused on honing my skills by taking classes, working on indie projects, and learning from every opportunity, big or small. Networking and building relationships with other creatives was also crucial. I’ve come to realize that success in this industry is as much about resilience and persistence as it is about talent.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process. Every project, no matter how small, adds to your experience and helps you grow as an artist. It’s important to stay open to learning, both from your successes and from your failures. I’ve also learned that collaboration is at the heart of creativity. Surrounding yourself with like-minded, passionate people will push you to be better and give you the support you need during the tough times.

Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of staying true to yourself. There will always be pressures to fit into certain molds or take on roles that don’t align with who you are, but staying authentic to your own vision and values is what ultimately leads to the most fulfilling work.

I want the world to know that my journey as an actress is rooted in a genuine love for storytelling and human connection. I didn’t come from a place where a career in the arts was an obvious choice, but my determination to break out of that small-town mold and follow my passion has shaped who I am today. My story is about persistence, growth, and the belief that art has the power to make people feel and understand each other on a deeper level.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend visited LA, I’d plan a week mixing iconic spots and hidden gems. We’d hit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory, then head to Venice Beach and Santa Monica for laid-back beach vibes. Downtown LA’s Arts District, Grand Central Market, and The Broad would showcase the city’s urban culture. We’d explore Beverly Hills, hike Runyon Canyon for killer views, and enjoy wellness spots like Moon Juice and Wi Spa. A day in Malibu with brunch at Malibu Farm and dinner at Nobu would be a must. To wrap up, we’d visit Larchmont Village and end with rooftop drinks at Perch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and influences that deserve recognition in my journey as an actress. First and foremost, I have to give credit to my family for their unwavering support, especially when I made the decision to leave my hometown to pursue a career that seemed far from conventional. Their belief in me, even when the path ahead was uncertain, gave me the strength to keep pushing forward.

I also owe a lot to the acting coaches and mentors I’ve had along the way. They helped me build a strong foundation and pushed me to challenge myself with every role I took on. Their guidance not only sharpened my skills but also instilled in me the discipline and work ethic necessary for success in this industry.

A special shoutout goes to the fellow actors, crew members, and directors I’ve had the privilege to work with. The collaborative nature of acting means that you’re constantly learning from others, and I’ve grown tremendously by being surrounded by such talented and passionate individuals.

Lastly, I want to recognize the art of cinema and storytelling itself. From the films I watched growing up to the books and scripts that have inspired me, these works have fueled my creativity and passion. They’ve been a constant source of inspiration, helping me understand the power of storytelling and the profound impact it can have on people.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinakofman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mkofman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinakofman?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12048479/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Headshots: Deidhra Fahey Photography
Professional photos: Milana Mukatova