Maria was born in 1950 in Leningrad. In 1975 she graduated from Leningrad State Institute of Theatre, Music and Cinema. In 1975 she joined the Alexandrinsky Theatre (St. Petersburg) where she has been involved in both classical and contemporary repertoire.

Since 1977 she has played in episodes of TV productions and movies produced by Leningrad TV.

Since 1995 — episodes in movies produced by Lenfilm Studio.

Parts in Sokurov's films:

2001 – principal part — the Wife (Krupskaya) in TELETS (TAURUS)
2002 – the Empress Ekaterina II in RUSSIAN ARK

Prizes and awards:

2001. The National Cinema award “Nika” as “Best actress” (The Wife (Krupskaya) in TAURUS).