Levani

Cast · Director

Born

December 15, 1958 · Tbilisi, USSR [now Georgia]

Birth name

Levan Karlovich Uchaneishvili

Levan Uchaneishvili (in some films simply known as Levani) is a Russian Soviet, Georgian and American actor best known for films such as 25th Hour (2002), Air Force One (1997), 27 Missing Kisses (2000), Blade (1998) and Independence Day (1996). Levan Uchaneishvili was born on December 15, 1958 in Tbilisi, USSR [now Georgia] as Levan Karlovich Uchaneishvili. In 1979 he graduated from the Shota Rustaveli Theatre Institute. He began his acting career as a Georgian actor in 1976. In the 1980s he appeared in Soviet movies. Except Tskhovreba series Kikhotisa Don Sancho Panchosi (produced by Spain and Georgia), 1979-1990 states exclusively in Soviet productions. In 1992 he took part in the television movie Stalin, produced by the United States and Hungary, in the role of Kaganovich. In the 1990s he moved to USA. He then took part in notable Hollywood films such as playing a Russian pilot in the science-fiction film Independence Day (1996) directed by Roland Emmerich, Blades (1996), Air Force One (1997) directed by Wolfgang Petersen, Virus (1999), 25th Hour (2002) and others. Also, in 1996, he appeared in an episode of the television series The X-Files. In 1998, he appeared in the film Blade and in 1999 in an episode of Seven Days. He also played the character of Uncle Nikolai, a Russian mafia boss in the film The 25th hour Spike Lee. For Hollywod experience, Levan Uchaneishvili gave a master class at Theatrical University in Tbilisi on May 15, 2013. Actor Levan Uchaneishvili visited the Theatrical University for a master class for future actors. He spoke to them about his experiences, while the students said it was their wish to follow in Uchaneishvili's footsteps to Hollywood.