Attended Moscow's prestigious Theatre and Variety Arts College. Won a Festival of Young Actors Award at the Moscow Comedy Theatre.
Became a United States citizen on April 1, 1985.
Son of Zalman and Frieda Baskin. Has a daughter, Michelle.
Elya Baskin played a 'mental patient' in the original MacGyver series, (Season 1 Episode 21), he was instrumental in assisting MacGyver in his mission.
Also played on the remake of MacGyver helping out MacGyver in season 1 episode 4 (Wire Cutter).