Rufina Nifontova was born in Moscow in a family with Greek roots.

In 1955 she graduated from VGIK and was admitted to the Film Actor Theater Studio.

In 1957 Nifontova came into the troupe of the Maly Theatre,[1] where she became a famous actress.

In 1986–1991 – Secretary of the Board Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation.

[1] Nifontova died in Moscow at the age of 63, and was buried at the Vagankovo Cemetery.