Lanovoy's rise to fame was largely attributed to his portrayal of fearless and daring characters, expertly blending courageous confidence with a sensitivity characteristic of Russian heroes, a trait consistently evident in his early film appearances.
Notably, Lanovoy is most renowned for his roles in iconic 1970s World War II-themed films, which showcased his impressive range as an actor.
As the 2000s unfolded, Lanovoy's career trajectory shifted, with him taking on predominantly Soviet-era party boss roles, including the notable portrayal of Yuri Andropov in the 2005 television film Brezhnev.
In 2013, Lanovoy added yet another notable credit to his resume, taking on the role of Cardinal Richelieu in the Russian film adaptation of The Three Musketeers.