Gradova played her first notable role at the beginning of 1966 in the Boris Yashin's drama Autumn Weddings.
Her most significant success was the role of pianist (clandestine radio-operator) Kate of Soviet spy Standartenfuhrer von Stierlitz in the Soviet blockbuster TV serial Seventeen Moments of Spring (1968) directed by Tatyana Lioznova.
Indeed, for many years each of the stars of the serial received tremendous attention and were often invited to various conferences, asked for interviews, etc.
His new choice was the star of popular Soviet musical comedy Hussar Ballad Larisa Golubkina.
In 1974, Mironov finally moved to live with Golubkina, and two years later got a formal divorce from Gradova.