Tamara Kokova was born on 15 March 1934 in the city of Nalchik, in the Kabardino-Balkarian Soviet Republic. In 1958 she graduated from the Anatoly Lunacharsky Theatre Arts University. From 1959 she was an actress of the "Gruziya-film" film studio, and from 1961 an actress of the State Actors' Theatre. Since 1971 she has held the title of Honoured Artist of the RSFSR. For most of her acting career she appeared in Caucasian films, including creating memorable roles in Azerbaijani films as well. Her most memorable role is without doubt that of Matanat in the film "Bir Qalanin Sirri" ("The Secret of a Fortress"). The actress ended her film career after a serious car accident.
