Zhanna Friske Biography: Age, Husband, Net Worth, Movies, Songs, Death, Son, Awards

Zhanna Friske was a Russian singer, actress, model and television personality whose rise to fame began in the mid-1990s as a member of the girl group Blestyashchiye.

She became known for her energetic performances and striking stage presence.

In 2004 she transitioned into acting, appearing in the blockbuster films Night Watch and Day Watch as Alisa Donnikova, gaining broad recognition throughout Russia and other Russian-speaking regions.

Profile

• Full name: Zhanna Vladimirovna Friske (born Zhanna Vladimirovna Kopylova)
• Date of birth: 8 July 1974
• Age: Deceased
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Moscow, RSFSR, USSR (now Russia)
• State of origin: Moscow
• Nationality: Russian
• Profession: Singer, model, actress, television presenter
• Height: 1.66 m (5 ft 5¼ in)
• Weight: 56–60 kg
• Eye color: Blue
• Hair color: Dark brown (chestnut)
• Parents: Father Vladimir Kopylov (later Friske), mother Paulina Friske
• Siblings: Sister Natalya Friske (also a former member of Blestyashchiye)
• Spouse: N/A (partner Dmitry Shepelev, common-law relationship)
• Children: Platon Shepelev
• Relationship status: In common-law partnership
• Religion: Russian Orthodox Christian; Friske was deeply religious and in 2013 she and Dmitry Shepelev had their son baptized in an Orthodox church in Riga
• Ethnicity: Father of German descent, mother of Black Sea German heritage
• Net worth: Estimated at US $15 million at the time of her death

Early Life and education

Zhanna Vladimirovna Kopylova was born on 8 July 1974 in Moscow and would have been 51 in 2025.

Her father Vladimir Kopylov (who later took the surname Friske) was of German descent and her mother Paulina belonged to a Black Sea German family from Odesa Oblast.

She graduated from secondary school No. 406 in the Perovo District in 1991.

Zhanna briefly studied journalism at Moscow University but did not complete the degree.

She also studied choreography at the Moscow Culture Institute and worked as a dance teacher before fully committing to her entertainment career.

Personal Life

Zhanna Friske entered a long-term relationship with Russian television presenter Dmitry Shepelev.

In April 2013 she gave birth to their son Platon in Miami where they had relocated temporarily.

She declined chemotherapy during her pregnancy to protect the unborn child.

Career

Zhanna Friske joined the pop group Blestyashchiye in 1996, quickly becoming a standout performer during her tenure through 2003.

After leaving the group she launched a solo career in 2003, releasing her debut album Zhanna in 2005, with hit singles including “La-La-La,” “Somewhere in Summer,” “Mama Maria,” and “I Was” which topped charts in Russian-speaking countries.

As an actress she appeared in Night Watch (2004) and Day Watch (2006) as Alisa Donnikova, performing many stunts herself, and later played herself in What Men Talk About (2010) and Who Am I? (2010).

She also served as a television presenter and appeared in reality shows Last Hero-4 and Last Hero-5 in 2003 and 2005.

She modeled for publications including Playboy, Penthouse, Maxim and Elle and was the face of Orient Watch in 2006.

Awards

• Joined MTV Russia Best Actress Prize 2006 for Day Watch
• Golden Gramophone Award 2007 and 2010
• Sound Track Award 2006
• Muz-TV Award 2007
• Glamour Award 2006, 2009
• Fashion People Award 2012

Net worth

Zhanna Friske estimated net worth is at US $15 million at death; her earnings came from music album sales, live performances, acting roles, modeling contracts, television appearances and brand endorsements.

Death

Zhanna Friske was diagnosed with stage IV glioblastoma in early 2014, shortly after the birth of her son.

She underwent treatment in the United States, Germany, China and Russia.

She entered a coma during treatment and passed away on 15 June 2015 at her home in Balashikha near Moscow at age 40.

A civil farewell ceremony was held at Crocus City Hall on 17 June, followed by a funeral service at Yelokhovo Cathedral and burial at Nikolo-Arkhangelsky cemetery.

Controversy

In 2016 a scandal emerged when Rusfond, the foundation collecting donations for her treatment, alleged that approximately 21 million rubles raised on her behalf had been misappropriated.

Only a portion of the donated sum was accounted for; an investigation was requested by Rusfond.

Social Media

N/A

Filmography

• Night Watch (2004) as Alisa Donnikova
• Day Watch (2006) as Alisa Donnikova
• What Men Talk About (2010) as Herself
• Who Am I? (2010) as Anya
• Novogodnie Svaty (2010) as Herself
• Cars 2 (2011, Russian dubbed voice of Holley Shiftwell)

Discography

• Zhanna (2005)
• La-La-La (single, 2004)
• Somewhere in Summer (2005)
• Mama Maria (2006)
• Malinki (feat. Diskoteka Avariya, 2006)
• I Was (2007)
• Jeanna Friske (2008)
• American (2009)
• Portofino (2009)
• Vestern (with Tanya Tereshina, 2009)
• Pilot (2011)
• Ty Riadom (feat. Geegun, 2011)
• Forever (2012)