Russian actors who were born in 1904
Here are 8 famous actors from Russia were born in 1904:
David Hoffman
David Hoffman (February 2, 1904 Russia-June 19, 1961 Seattle) was a Russian actor.
He gained international recognition for his roles in American films such as "The Pride of the Yankees" and "The Maltese Falcon." Hoffman began his acting career in the Yiddish theater and later moved into Hollywood, where he worked in both film and television. He was known for his distinctive voice and memorable performances, particularly as tough-guy characters. In addition to acting, Hoffman also worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to various animated programs and films. Despite being a successful actor, he faced discrimination due to his Jewish background and often had to disguise his faith to avoid being typecast. Hoffman died at the age of 57 from a heart attack.
Boris Livanov
Boris Livanov (May 8, 1904 Moscow-September 22, 1972 Moscow) otherwise known as Boris Nikolayevich Livanov or B.N. Livanov was a Russian actor. He had one child, Vasily Livanov.
Boris Livanov began his acting career in the early 1920s, working in several theater companies in Moscow. He later became a prominent actor in the film industry, starring in several Soviet movies in the 1930s and 1940s. His most famous role was that of Sherlock Holmes in the 1979 Soviet television series "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson", for which he received critical acclaim. In addition to his acting career, Livanov was also a director and writer, and he served as the artistic director of the Moscow Youth Theater for several years. He was awarded the Stalin Prize in 1947, and was later honored with the People's Artist of the USSR title in 1964. Despite his success, Boris Livanov led a relatively quiet life offscreen, rarely appearing in public and preferring to focus on his work as an actor and artist. He passed away in 1972 at the age of 68.
Zbigniew Sawan
Zbigniew Sawan (April 14, 1904 Kursk Oblast-June 4, 1984 Warsaw) also known as Zbyszko Sawan was a Russian actor.
Sawan was born to a Polish family in the Kursk Oblast region of Russia. He began his acting career in the 1920s, working at the Moscow Art Theatre and appearing in a number of films. In 1939, he moved to Poland and continued to act in both film and theater productions.
During World War II, Sawan was imprisoned in Auschwitz concentration camp and later released. He returned to his acting career after the war and continued to work in Poland's film and theater industry until his death in 1984.
Sawan is remembered for his iconic roles in Polish cinema, including his performance in the movie "The Last Stage," which was based on his experiences in Auschwitz. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Golden Cross of Merit. Today, he is considered as one of the most important figures in Polish cultural history.
Vladimir Chestnokov
Vladimir Chestnokov (April 12, 1904 Saint Petersburg-May 15, 1968 Saint Petersburg) also known as Vladimir Ivanovich Chestnokov, V. Chestnokov or Vladimir Chesnokov was a Russian actor.
He started his acting career in the early 1920s and became one of the leading actors in the Soviet Union film industry. His notable roles include the character Shukshin in the movie "Kuban Cossacks", and Archpriest Habakkuk in the film "Don Cesar de Bazan". Chestnokov was awarded the Stalin Prize in 1949 for his outstanding contribution to the film industry. In addition to his work in films, he also acted in theatrical productions and was a recognized stage actor. He was a prominent member of the Leningrad Theatre of Opera and Ballet, where he performed in the famous ballet "Swan Lake". Despite his success as an actor, Chestnokov faced persecution during Stalin's regime and was suspected of anti-Soviet activities, leading to a temporary ban on his acting career. However, he was eventually exonerated and allowed to continue his career until his death in 1968.
Vladimir Belokurov
Vladimir Belokurov (July 8, 1904 Kazan-January 28, 1973 Moscow) a.k.a. Vladimir Vyacheslavovich Belokurov, V. Belokurov or V.V. Belokourov was a Russian actor.
He began his acting career in 1927 and eventually became a prominent figure in Soviet cinema during the 1930s and 1940s. Belokurov is best known for his roles in the films "Baltic Deputy", "The Return of Maxim", and "The Meeting on the Elbe". He received the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1949 and received several awards throughout his career. Belokurov was also involved in theater and directed several productions. He passed away on January 28, 1973, in Moscow at the age of 68.
Pyotr Sobolevsky
Pyotr Sobolevsky (May 22, 1904 Tomsk-June 26, 1977 Moscow) also known as Piotr Sobolovsky, Pyotr Stanislavovich Sobolevsky, Пётр Станиславович Соболевский, P. Sobolevski, P. Sobolevsky, Piotr Sobolevsky or P. Sobolovsky was a Russian actor.
He graduated from the Moscow Art Theatre School in 1929 and became a member of the Moscow Art Theatre. Sobolevsky appeared in numerous films throughout his career, including leading roles in "The Great Citizen" (1939), "Ivan Pavlov" (1949) and "The Kuban Cossacks" (1950). He also worked as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films into Russian. Sobolevsky was awarded the Stalin Prize in 1946 for his role in the film "The Great Citizen". In addition to acting, he also wrote articles on the theatre and cinema. Sobolevsky's legacy continues to be felt in Russian cinema and theatre.
Pavel Massalsky
Pavel Massalsky (September 4, 1904 Moscow-December 15, 1979 Moscow) a.k.a. N. Massalskij, P. Massalsky or Pavel Vladimirovich Massalsky was a Russian actor.
He graduated from the Moscow Art Theater school in 1928 and joined the company shortly after. Massalsky had a successful career on stage, performing in numerous productions throughout his life. He was also a well-known film actor, appearing in over 30 movies, including "The Communist" (1958) and "Kidnapping, Caucasian Style" (1966). Massalsky was known for his ability to convey depth and emotion in his performances, and was highly respected in the Russian acting community. He was awarded the People's Artist of the RSFSR title in 1969.
Pyotr Gusev
Pyotr Gusev (December 29, 1904 Saint Petersburg-March 30, 1987 Saint Petersburg) also known as Pyotr Andreyevich Gusev or P. Gusev was a Russian actor, ballet dancer and teacher.
Gusev was a talented artist who made a significant mark on the performing arts community in Russia and beyond. He began his career as a ballet dancer in Soviet Russia and then expanded his repertoire to include acting. Gusev was known for his roles in Russian movies, TV shows, and theater productions. He played key roles in popular films of his time and was recognized for his ability to blend drama and comedy with ease.
In addition to his acting career, Gusev was also a respected ballet teacher, training many successful dancers who are now part of some of the world's best-known ballet troupes. He taught ballet at the Leningrad Choreographic School for over three decades and was beloved by his students due to his dedication and passion for the art.
Gusev's contribution to the arts in Russia was recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious People's Artist of Russia title. He passed away in 1987 in his hometown of Saint Petersburg, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire actors and dancers to this day.