Biography

Liliya May was born in the Former USSR but relocated with her family to Sydney, Australia where she finished high school. Later she graduated from the University of Sydney and Screenwise Film and Television School.

During her university years Liliya modelled with some of the most prestigious agencies in Australasia and Europe, and shot campaigns and commercials for brands such as Country Road, Coca-Cola, Wilkinson Sword and many others.

Also at this time Liliya landed a role that would set her on a completely different path, when she was cast as a mermaid in Baz Luhrmann's acclaimed feature film Moulin Rouge.

Within months of enrolling in drama school, Liliya was acting in award-winning short films, and on stage for the "Short & Sweet" Sydney theatre festival. This was soon followed by a role alongside Josh Lawson and Rachel Taylor in "Any Questions for Ben?" directed by Rob Sitch.

More recently Liliya guest starred alongside Ioan Gruffudd in "Harrow" for the ABC, and in the iconic New Zealand's series "Shortland Street".

She also appeared in Karen Pearlman's acclaimed international short film "I Want To Make A Film About Women" where she portrayed one of Soviet culture's most enigmatic women, Lilya Brik.

When she's not on set, Liliya enjoys travelling with her family (whether it's camping in a van or flying overseas), and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - which she views not only as a physical endeavour but a mental and spiritual one.
- IMDb mini biography by: K. Osadchuk