Nikita's photo with Putin and other stories about actress Peta Wilson

A photo does not lie. Here Vladimir Putin and actress Peta Wilson are having a friendly conversation. But we have to add that it happened over two decades ago, at the 2001 Moscow Film Festival. Back then, the series 'Nikita' was turning a previously unknown Australian actress into a world icon.

It was a chance meeting with the Russian leader, but of course, the snapshot is a bit shocking today. The photo prompts a closer look at the origins and magnitude of Peta Wilson's success and her subsequent (and perhaps unknown) career.

In the film 'Nikita' (1990), director Luc Besson created a violent heroine who went against the grain. Its success was so great that a television adaptation was made under the title 'La Femme Nikita'. The original lead actress, the French Anne Parillaud, was replaced by a 26-year-old Australian named Peta Wilson.

A strong character, with blue eyes and wild blonde manes. The combination of these elements captivated millions of people for almost 100 episodes and five seasons.

Nikita was a cold Section One special agent who got assigned the riskiest missions.

Peta Wilson became a worldwide idol thanks to her role as an action heroine. At the time, there weren't so many empowered female protagonists on TV.

The series had such an impact, that Peta Wilson was a guest on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' in May 1997.

Everyone loved Peta Wilson. Donna Karan invited her to her 1999 New York fashion show. She's pictured here with Sandra Bullock, Cameron Mathison, Jennifer Esposito, and Samuel L. Jackson.

Before Nikita, Peta Wilson's most notable film was 'One of Our Own,' in which she starred with Michael Ironside, an actor who has since appeared in nearly 300 films.

'Nikita' ended in 2001. Peta Wilson appeared to belong to the top of Hollywood, but the choice of her assignments (or misfortune) propelled her to unremarkable stardom.

She made the pseudo-erotic movie 'Mercy' (2000) and TV films like 'Other People' (2001) and 'Joey and Max' (2002). None of these titles would bring her great critical acclaim or rating success.

After Monica Bellucci gave up the role in 2003, Peta Wilson got her big chance: she played Mina Harker in 'The became a resounding failure.

Also, 'Superman Returns' (2006) was not as successful as many had hoped. In this film, she had a small role.

She appeared on the cover of a known men's magazine and remained in the memory of (at least a certain group of) viewers. Meanwhile, offers in Hollywood became increasingly scarce.

After several failed attempts in films and on television, the Australian actress launched her lingerie brand, Wylie Wilson Inc, which saw the light in 2012.

The Australian actress has not been involved in any film or television projects since 2015. However, that changed in 2022.

Peta Wilson returned to acting seven years after a seemingly permanent farewell. She plays Eve in 'Troppo,' an Australian series on ABC TV. It's an adaptation of the well-known novel 'Crimson Lake.'

For the public, the series represents the rebirth of this actress, who is now over fifty and still has a lot to contribute to film and television.

So, all in all, Peta Wilson had her moment of success and then (relative) decline - that's what life is all about. In any case, that curious meeting in Moscow with Vladimir Putin will remain in her scrapbook.