Russian movie stars born in 1900
Here are 9 famous actors from Russian Empire were born in 1900:
Marian Melman
Marian Melman (January 3, 1900 Zhovkva-) is a Russian actor.
Marian Melman was born in Zhovkva, which was then part of the Russian Empire (now Ukraine). He began his acting career in 1921 in the Jewish theater in Kiev before moving on to Moscow and eventually Leningrad. Melman was known for his work in the Soviet film industry in the 1930s and 1940s, appearing in several notable films such as "Maxim Gorky" and "The Swineherd". He also worked in theater and played memorable roles in productions of "Don Quixote", "Othello", and "The Inspector General". Melman continued to act in films and on stage until his death in 1954.
Marian Melman was a prolific actor who starred in over 50 films during his career. He was a recipient of the Stalin Prize, one of the highest honors for artists in the Soviet Union, in 1949 for his role in the film "The Return of Vasil Bortnikov". Melman was also known for his voice acting work, lending his voice to several animated films such as "Ilya Muromets" and "The New Gulliver". In addition to his acting career, Melman was also a teacher at the Leningrad Institute of Theatre, Music, and Cinema, where he influenced several generations of young actors. His legacy as a talented actor and teacher continues to influence the world of Russian theater and cinema to this day.
Aleksandr Medvedkin
Aleksandr Medvedkin (March 8, 1900 Penza-February 19, 1989 Moscow) also known as Aleksandr Ivanovitch Medvedkine, Aleksandr Medvedkine, Alexandre Medvedkine or Aleksandr Ivanovich Medvedkin was a Russian film director, screenwriter, playwright and actor.
He is known for his unconventional and experimental approach to filmmaking, often incorporating elements of documentary and satire in his works. Medvedkin was an active participant in the Russian avant-garde movement, and his films were often critical of the Soviet government.
Medvedkin's most famous film is "Happiness" (1934), a satirical look at Soviet life under Stalin. The film was initially banned by Soviet censors, but was later released in a heavily edited version. Another notable work is "The Miracle Worker" (1936), which tells the story of a young deaf and mute girl who is taught how to communicate by a progressive teacher.
In addition to his filmmaking career, Medvedkin was also a founding member of the Soviet theater group Proletkult, and wrote several plays and screenplays throughout his life. He was a vocal critic of Stalinism and Soviet censorship, and was often persecuted for his political beliefs.
Medvedkin died in Moscow in 1989, and his legacy as an influential figure in Soviet cinema continues to this day. His films have been rediscovered and reevaluated by contemporary audiences and critics, and are celebrated for their artistic and political significance.
Medvedkin was born into a peasant family and worked as a teacher before pursuing a career in film. He began his filmmaking career in the early 1920s, working as a camera operator and assistant director before directing his first feature film, "Bread" (1929). He went on to direct several more films throughout the 1930s, including "New Moscow" (1938) and "The Sixteenth Year" (1940), before being banned from filmmaking during World War II for refusing to make propaganda films.
After the war, Medvedkin returned to filmmaking with "Virgin Soil Upturned" (1949), which was based on the novel by Mikhail Sholokhov. He continued to work in film throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and his later films include "The Seventh Companion" (1968) and "Three Days in Moscow" (1973).
In addition to his filmmaking and theater work, Medvedkin was also a prolific writer and essayist. He wrote extensively on Soviet cinema, politics, and culture, and his writings were often critical of the Soviet regime. He was a mentor to several younger filmmakers, including Sergei Eisenstein and Dziga Vertov, and his influence can be seen in their work.
Medvedkin's legacy as a filmmaker and political activist continues to be celebrated in Russia and around the world. In 2008, the Alexander Medvedkin Fellowship was established to support emerging documentary filmmakers, and in 2016, a museum dedicated to Medvedkin and his work opened in Moscow.
Adolf Fischer
Adolf Fischer (November 18, 1900 Odessa-October 21, 1984 Potsdam) was a Russian actor, film producer and television producer.
He began his career in the Soviet Union in the 1920s, eventually making his way to Germany where he continued to work in films and television. Despite being blacklisted in the United States during the 1950s due to his leftist political views, Fischer remained a prominent figure in the German entertainment industry throughout his career. He produced and acted in numerous films and television shows, and received several awards for his contributions to the arts. Fischer was also known for his activism, particularly his involvement in anti-fascist and peace movements.
In addition to his work in entertainment and activism, Fischer was a prolific writer and translator. He translated many works of Russian literature into German and wrote several plays and screenplays. Fischer was also a polyglot, fluent in several languages including Russian, German, and English. Despite facing censorship and persecution throughout his career, Fischer remained dedicated to his craft and continued to produce thought-provoking works until his death in 1984. He is remembered as an important figure in both German and Soviet cinema, as well as for his contributions to the fight against fascism and for peace.
John Trebach
John Trebach (August 25, 1900 Mogilev-February 10, 1958 Los Angeles) also known as John Arthur Trebach was a Russian actor.
He began his acting career in the Soviet Union, appearing in films such as "Marinka" and "The Dream of Councillor Popov." In the 1930s, Trebach immigrated to the United States and continued his career in Hollywood. He appeared in many films and TV shows, including "The Razor's Edge," "The Magnificent Seven," and "The Twilight Zone." Trebach was known for his dynamic and versatile performances, and his ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles. Despite his success in Hollywood, Trebach remained deeply connected to his Russian roots, and continued to champion Russian culture throughout his career. He passed away in 1958 at the age of 57.
Trebach was born to a Jewish family in Mogilev, Belarus, which was then part of the Russian Empire. He began his acting career in the early 1920s in the Soviet Union, performing in Yiddish and Russian theaters and appearing in several films. In the 1930s, Trebach left the Soviet Union for Germany, where he continued to act in films, including "Dangerous Cargo" and "Circus Saran."
In 1939, Trebach immigrated to the United States and settled in Hollywood, where he quickly landed roles in films and TV shows. Some of his notable films from this period include "The Razor's Edge," in which he played the character of Kosti, and "The Magnificent Seven," in which he portrayed a bandit leader.
Throughout his career in Hollywood, Trebach remained proud of his Russian heritage and worked to promote Russian culture in the United States. He was also an active member of the Russian community in Hollywood, and was known for his generosity and support of other Russian immigrants.
Trebach's final role was in an episode of "The Twilight Zone" in 1958. He passed away later that same year at the age of 57. Today, he is remembered as a talented and versatile actor who made significant contributions to both Russian and American cinema.
Nikolay Okhlopkov
Nikolay Okhlopkov (May 15, 1900 Irkutsk-January 8, 1967 Russia) also known as Nikolai Pavlovich Okhlopkov was a Russian actor, writer and film director.
He is most well-known for his work on the silver screen, having acted in several Soviet films including "The Great Citizen" and "The Return of Vasili Bortnikov". Okhlopkov's career also included work as a writer and director, with his most notable film being "Young Partisans" which he directed in 1941.
Aside from his impressive work in film, Okhlopkov was also a veteran of World War II, having served in the Soviet Army as a commander. He was awarded several medals for his bravery and service, including the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Star.
Okhlopkov was a prominent figure in Soviet culture and was known for advocating for innovative and experimental forms of filmmaking. He passed away in 1967 and is remembered today as a multifaceted artist and a hero of the Soviet Union.
In addition to his work in film and his service in World War II, Okhlopkov was also involved in Soviet politics. He was a member of the Communist Party and served as a deputy in the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Okhlopkov's artistic and political pursuits often overlapped; he used his platform as an actor and filmmaker to promote socialist values and ideals. Okhlopkov was also a proponent of theater, and he directed several plays during his time as a member of the Moscow Theater of Drama and Comedy. He was married to the actress Nina Arkhipova, with whom he had a son, Pavel, who also became an actor. Today, Okhlopkov is remembered as a versatile and talented artist who made significant contributions to Soviet culture and society.
Vladimir Pokrovsky
Vladimir Pokrovsky (June 23, 1900 Moscow-April 15, 1985 Moscow) a.k.a. Vladimir Aleksandrovich Pokrovsky or V. Pokrovsky was a Russian actor. He had one child, Aleksandr Pokrovsky.
Vladimir graduated from the Moscow Art Theatre School in 1921 and made his acting debut in theater productions in the same year. He played a prominent role in the development of Soviet theater and acted in numerous plays. In addition to theater work, Pokrovsky appeared in more than 30 films, starting from the silent era. He starred in several popular Soviet movies, including "We from the Urals" (1943), "The Return of Vasil Bortnikov" (1953), and "The Twelve Chairs" (1971). Pokrovsky was awarded the Stalin Prize in 1951 for his acting achievements. He remained active in both theater and film until his death in 1985.
Pokrovsky was not only an actor but also a director and a teacher. He directed several theater productions in his career and was a professor at the State Institute of Theatrical Arts. As a teacher, he trained many successful actors, including Yuri Yakovlev and Vyacheslav Tikhonov. During World War II, Pokrovsky worked as a front-line correspondent for the Soviet Army newspaper, Red Star. He was known for his versatile acting skills and could play both comedic and dramatic roles. In his later years, Pokrovsky suffered from poor health but continued to work in theater and film, showing his dedication to the craft. Today, he is remembered as one of the most prominent and influential actors of Soviet-era Russia.
Nikolai Yakovchenko
Nikolai Yakovchenko (May 3, 1900 Pryluky-September 11, 1974 Kiev) otherwise known as Nikolai Fyodorovich Yakovchenko, Nikolay Yakovchenko or N. Yakovchenko was a Russian actor. He had two children, Irina Nikolaevna Yakovchenko and Yunona Nikolaevna Yakovchenko.
Yakovchenko began his acting career in 1919, and quickly became one of the most famous actors of Soviet cinema. He starred in over 70 films during his career, including "The Living Corpse" and "The Overcoat". Yakovchenko was also a member of the Communist Party, and served as a representative in the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR. In addition to his work in film and politics, he was also a writer and published several works including "The Path of Happiness" and "So What". In 1950, he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR for his contributions to Soviet cinema. Today, he is remembered as one of the most iconic actors of Soviet cinema.
Yakovchenko's early life was marked by tragedy, as his father died when he was just two years old. Despite this, he managed to receive a good education, attending a gymnasium in Kiev. During the Russian Revolution, Yakovchenko joined the Red Army and fought in the Civil War. After the war, he returned to Kiev and began his acting career on the stage. He quickly caught the attention of Soviet filmmakers and began appearing in films in the early 1920s.
Yakovchenko's acting style was marked by his ability to portray complex and nuanced characters. He became known for his ability to convey emotion with just a glance, and his performances were often praised for their depth and realism. Some of his most famous roles were in films like "The Return of Vasil Bortnikov" and "The Party Card".
In addition to his acting career, Yakovchenko was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Communist Party and was a staunch supporter of Soviet ideals. He often spoke out in support of the government and its policies, and was seen as a loyal member of the party.
Yakovchenko's legacy lives on in his many film roles, which continue to be studied and admired by filmmakers and fans alike. He remains an important figure in the history of Soviet cinema, and his contributions to the art form are still appreciated today.
Mikhail Astangov
Mikhail Astangov (November 3, 1900 Warsaw-April 20, 1965 Moscow) also known as M. Astangov, Mikhail Fyodorovich Ruzhnikov, M.F. Ruzhnikov or Mikhail Fyodorovich Astangov was a Russian actor.
He graduated from the school of drama at the Moscow Art Theater in 1924. Throughout his career, Astangov appeared in over 70 films, including "The Return of Vasil Bortnikov" (1953) and "True Friends" (1954), in addition to his work in the theater. He was awarded the Stalin Prize (Second Class) for his role in the 1958 film "The Young Guard." Astangov also directed several films, including "The Country Doctor" (1940) and "The Great Warrior Skanderbeg" (1953). He was honored with the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1950.
Astangov was born to a family of lawyers and initially pursued law at the University of Warsaw. However, his passion for theater drew him towards acting, and he eventually moved to Moscow to attend the Moscow Art Theater School. Astangov made his stage debut in 1924, performing in a variety of productions in Moscow and beyond. Throughout the 1930s, he continued to act in theaters across the Soviet Union, often playing challenging roles in productions that were critical of the state.
Astangov's film career began in the mid-1930s and he quickly became known for his versatility as an actor. He appeared in films of various genres, playing comedic as well as dramatic roles. In addition to acting, Astangov also worked as a director, adapting works of literature for the screen. During World War II, he worked for the Red Army's theater division, entertaining troops on the front lines.
In the 1950s, Astangov continued to act and direct, receiving critical acclaim for his work in both fields. He was awarded the Stalin Prize (Second Class) for his performance in "The Young Guard," a film about the Soviet Union's anti-Nazi resistance. He went on to receive several other accolades for his contributions to Russian film and theater, including the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner of Labor.
Astangov passed away in Moscow in 1965 and was buried in the Novodevichy Cemetery. He is remembered as one of the most talented actors and directors of his time, whose work continues to influence Russian cinema and theater.
Anatoli Golovnya
Anatoli Golovnya (February 2, 1900 Simferopol-June 25, 1982 Moscow) also known as Anatoli Dmitrievich Golovnya or Анатолий Дмитриевич Головня was a Russian cinematographer, screenwriter, film director and actor.
He began his career in the film industry in the 1920s and became known for his work on a number of Soviet films, including "The Battleship Potemkin" and "Alexander Nevsky" directed by Sergei Eisenstein. Golovnya also had a successful career as a screenwriter, and wrote scripts for films such as "The Return of Vasili Bortnikov" and "The Sixth of July". In addition to his work behind the camera, Golovnya also acted in several films, including "Alone" and "The Oppenheim Family". He was a recipient of the Order of the Red Banner of Labour and was recognized for his contributions to the Soviet film industry.
Throughout his career, Anatoli Golovnya worked on more than seventy films and was highly respected by his peers for his talent and dedication to the craft of filmmaking. In the 1930s, he became a member of the prestigious Union of Cinematographers and was actively involved in promoting the development of the Soviet cinema. He was also a mentor to many young filmmakers and helped to shape the careers of several future luminaries of the film industry. Despite the challenging political climate of his time, Golovnya remained committed to his art and continued to produce innovative and thought-provoking films until his retirement in the late 1960s. He was married to the actress Lidia Smirnova and had one son, Dmitri, who also became a cinematographer.