Larisa Bakurova

Larisa Angela Bakurova (Лариса Анжела Бакурова,, commonly shortened to 瑞莎, Ruìshā; born February 21, 1985) is a Ukrainian-born Taiwanese actress and model.

Bakurova is the first naturalized Taiwanese citizen of Ukrainian descent.

Early life
Bakurova started training for rhythmic gymnastics at age 3. At age 6, she entered Deriugins School in Kyiv. She has won numerous national competitions until she got injured at 16.

She won Miss Kyiv at the age of 18.

She graduated from Odesa National Economics University with a master's degree in economics.

Career
Besides her modeling engagements, she has appeared in supporting roles in the Taiwanese drama They Kiss Again and the film Don't Go Breaking My Heart. In 2012, Bakurova starred in the film Young Dudes directed by DJ Chen Yin-Jung.

In 2020, she started her own rhythmic gymnastics gym Rising Star RG in Taiwan. Besides coaching, she would also invite professional rhythmic gymnasts such as Anna Bessonova to host workshops.

Since 2023, she led her female gymnastics team to Miss Valentine competition for junior female gymnasts.

Personal Life
In 2013, Bakurova obtained the Taiwan Permanent Resident Certificate and began the naturalization process. She married a Taiwanese national in 2015 and gave birth to daughters in 2016 and in 2022.

On January 24, 2019, Bakurova became the first naturalized Taiwanese citizen of Ukrainian descent, which required a long process to renounce her Ukrainian citizenship since Ukraine does not have a consulate in Taiwan.