Elena Ouspenskaia (Yelena Uspenskaya) was born on January 27, 1953, in Tver, Russia. She wanted to be an actress since age 11. Studied acting in Moscow at the State Institute of Theatre Art (GITIS) now The Russian Institute of Theatre Arts. Worked around 25 years on the stage of the theaters of Orel and Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Moved to USA New York in 1992. Known for Miriam Terzian - For Life S2E4, Petra Pinkas - Love Life S1E2 Old Russian Woman in "The Rusalka" episode of Madam Secretary CBS (2015) Winifred in HBO's Project Greenlight Finalist: Winning Entry (2015).