Here are 7 famous actors from Russia were born in 1921:
Yuri Nikulin (December 18, 1921 Demidov, Smolensk Oblast-August 21, 1997 Moscow) also known as Jurij Nikulin, Nikulin, Jurij, Yuri Vladimirovich Nikulin, Yuriy Nikulin or Yu. Nikulin was a Russian clown, actor, comedian, mime artist, ringmaster and presenter. He had one child, Maksim Nikulin.
Yuri Nikulin began his career as a circus clown and quickly rose to fame for his comedic talents. He performed in the Moscow State Circus and was the main performer in the popular clown trio "Bim-Bom." Nikulin's comedic skills led him to become a popular film actor, starring in several Soviet-era comedies such as "The Diamond Arm" and "The Caucasian Prisoner."
Nikulin was also a talented mime artist, and his performances in this genre won him numerous awards, including the prestigious Grand Prix at the 1968 International Festival of Mimic and Gestural Theatre in France.
In addition to his work as a performer, Nikulin was a prominent figure in the Moscow circus industry. He became the director of the Moscow Circus in 1982, a position he held until his death in 1997. During his tenure as director, he oversaw the modernization and expansion of the circus, introducing new acts and performances that helped to revitalize the institution.
Along with his work in the circus and film industry, Nikulin was actively involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly those aimed at benefiting children. He founded the Nikulin Circus Fund, which continues to support charitable causes in Russia to this day.
Nikulin's contribution to the Soviet art and culture scene was recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR, People's Artist of the RSFSR, and the Order of Lenin. He was also awarded the State Prize of the Russian Federation for his outstanding contribution to the development of the Russian circus art.
Despite his success and fame, Nikulin was known for his down-to-earth personality and his dedication to his craft. He continued performing in circus shows and films until the end of his life, and his legacy as one of the greatest clowns and mimics of the 20th century continues to inspire new generations of performers. The Nikulin Circus in Moscow remains one of the country's most popular attractions, and his name and legacy are synonymous with the art of Russian clowning.
In addition to his many talents, Yuri Nikulin was also a respected writer, penning several books about his experiences in the circus and film industries. He also composed songs and poetry, showcasing his diverse artistic abilities. Despite being known for his comedic roles, Nikulin also had a talent for dramatic acting and was praised for his performances in films such as "The Forty-First" and "The Cold Summer of 1953." Nikulin's contribution to Russian culture and entertainment cannot be overstated, and his legacy remains an integral part of the country's rich artistic history.
Vladislav Strzhelchik (January 31, 1921 Saint Petersburg-September 11, 1995 Saint Petersburg) a.k.a. Vladislav Ignatyevich Strzhelchik or V.Strzhelchik was a Russian actor and teacher. He had three children, Marina Strzhelchik-Smirnova, Dmitri Isayev and .
Strzhelchik started his acting career in 1945 and went on to become a renowned actor of the Leningrad Bolshoi Drama Theatre. He also worked as a teacher at the Saint Petersburg State Theatre Arts Academy and trained several prominent actors. Strzhelchik was known for his versatile acting skills and performed in a wide range of roles including Shakespearean plays, Russian classics, and contemporary dramas. He also appeared in several films and TV series, including the acclaimed Soviet war drama, "The Cranes Are Flying" (1957). After his death in 1995, the Vladislav Strzhelchik Scholarship was established in his honor to support the training of young theater artists.
In addition to his acting and teaching career, Vladislav Strzhelchik was also an accomplished director. He directed a number of plays at the Leningrad Bolshoi Drama Theatre, and his productions were known for their innovative approach and thoughtful interpretation of classic works. Strzhelchik was highly respected in the theater world and received numerous awards for his contributions to Russian theater, including the prestigious People's Artist of the USSR award in 1990. He was also a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and used his platform as an actor and teacher to advocate for socialist ideals. Strzhelchik was known for his dedication to his craft and his passion for teaching the next generation of actors and directors.
Strzhelchik was born into a family of actors and musicians. His father, Ignaty Strzhelchik, was a renowned actor and director, and his mother, Varvara Vasilyeva, was a singer. Strzhelchik grew up surrounded by theater and music, and his parents instilled in him a love for the arts from a young age. He studied acting at the Leningrad Institute of Theatre, Music, and Cinematography and graduated in 1944.
In addition to his work on stage and screen, Strzhelchik was also an accomplished writer. He wrote several plays and articles on theater, and his book, "The Art of Acting," is still considered a classic in Russian theater education. Strzhelchik's style of teaching was highly influential in the theater world, and many of his students went on to become successful actors and directors.
Strzhelchik's legacy continues to live on in the Russian theater community. The Vladislav Strzhelchik Scholarship has helped to support the education and training of countless young actors, and his writings and teachings continue to inspire future generations of theater artists.
Nikolai Timofeyev (December 26, 1921 Baku-September 25, 1999 Moscow) also known as N. Timofeyev, Nikolai Dmitriyevich Timofeyev or Nicola Timofejev was a Russian actor. He had one child, Yekaterina Nikolayevna Timofeyeva.
Timofeyev began his acting career in the late 1940s and went on to become a distinguished actor in Soviet theatre and cinema. He appeared in several films throughout his career, including "Carnival Night" (1956), "The Twelve Chairs" (1971), and "The Dawns Here Are Quiet" (1972). Timofeyev was also a prominent stage actor and worked at the Moscow Art Theatre for over three decades. He received numerous awards for his contributions to Soviet cinema and theatre, including the People's Artist of the USSR award in 1981. In addition to acting, Timofeyev was also a trained physicist and worked as a research scientist for several years. He passed away in Moscow in 1999 at the age of 77.
Despite his successful acting career, Timofeyev had initially enrolled in the Physics Department of Moscow State University but was drafted into the Soviet Army during World War II. After the war, he continued his studies and graduated in 1950. Throughout his career, Timofeyev played a range of roles, from comedic to dramatic, and was known for his versatility and depth as an actor. He was praised for his performances in classic Russian plays such as Chekhov's "The Seagull" and Gorky's "The Lower Depths." Timofeyev was also a well-respected teacher and mentor, and his students included many of the leading actors in Russian theatre and cinema. In addition to his work on stage and screen, Timofeyev was actively involved in the movement to improve working conditions for Soviet actors. He was a member of the Association of Theatre Workers and the Union of Cinematographers and served as a deputy in the Supreme Soviet. Timofeyev's legacy continues to influence Russian theatre and cinema to this day.
Aside from his successful acting and physics career, Nikolai Timofeyev was also known for his philanthropic works. He was actively involved in charitable organizations and initiated a fundraiser to build a new dormitory for young actors studying at the Moscow Art Theatre School. The dormitory was eventually built and named after him as a token of gratitude for his contributions to the institution. Timofeyev was also a prolific writer and authored several plays, including "A Third Party" and "The House by the River." In his later years, he suffered from Parkinson's disease and became an advocate for raising awareness about the condition. Despite his struggles with the disease, he continued to work and inspire others in his field until his passing in 1999. Today, Nikolai Timofeyev is remembered as one of the most iconic figures in Soviet theatre and cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire young artists in Russia and around the world.
Boris V. Bityukov (April 25, 1921 Oryol-January 15, 2002 Moscow) also known as Boris Bityukov, BV Bityukov, Boris Valentinovich Bityukov or B. Bityukov was a Russian actor. His child is called Olga Bityukova.
Boris V. Bityukov began his acting career in the 1940s and went on to become one of Russia's most renowned actors. He is best known for his roles in Soviet films such as "The Cranes Are Flying" (1957) and "Ballad of a Soldier" (1959), both of which received critical acclaim.
Bityukov was also a respected theater actor, and worked with some of the most prominent theater companies in Russia, including the Moscow Art Theater and the Vakhtangov Theater.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Bityukov was also a popular voice actor, lending his voice to numerous animated films and cartoons.
Throughout his career, Bityukov received several awards and honors, including the State Prize of the Russian Federation, the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, and the Order of Merit for the Fatherland.
Boris V. Bityukov passed away in Moscow in 2002 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as one of Russia's most revered actors.
Aside from his successful career in acting, Boris V. Bityukov was also an accomplished director. He directed several productions in the theater, including the acclaimed staging of Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard." Bityukov was also a teacher, and taught acting at the Moscow Art Theater School for many years. Many of his students went on to become successful actors, including Natalia Andreichenko and Alexander Galibin.
Bityukov was known not only for his talents on stage and screen, but also for his philanthropic work. He was a dedicated supporter of various charitable causes and organizations, and was particularly focused on providing aid to underprivileged children. He often used his fame and influence to raise awareness about these causes and encourage others to donate to them.
Throughout his life, Boris V. Bityukov remained a beloved figure in Russian culture. His performances continue to be celebrated and studied, and his contributions to the theater and film industries are still remembered and respected today.
In addition to his acting, directing, and philanthropic work, Boris V. Bityukov was a veteran of World War II. He served in the Red Army and was wounded in battle, receiving a medal for bravery. Despite his injuries, Bityukov returned to the front lines and continued to fight until the end of the war.After the war, Bityukov enrolled in the Moscow Art Theater School, where he studied under the legendary theater director Konstantin Stanislavski. He graduated in 1951 and joined the Moscow Art Theater, where he quickly established himself as a talented and versatile actor.Besides his work in film and theater, Bityukov was an accomplished poet, painter, and writer. He published several poetry collections and was known for his vivid and evocative imagery. His paintings, which often depicted scenes from his travels around the world, were exhibited in galleries throughout Russia and Europe.Bityukov was also an avid traveler and adventurer, and embarked on several expeditions to remote corners of the world. He climbed mountains, explored deserts and jungles, and sailed the world's oceans, always seeking new experiences and challenges. His adventurous spirit and love of life endeared him to audiences and colleagues alike, and he remained a beloved figure in Russian culture long after his passing.
Richard Marner (March 27, 1921 Saint Petersburg-March 18, 2004 Perth) also known as Alexander Molchanoff-Sacha, Alexander Molchanoff, Alexander (Sacha) Molchanoff, Sacha Molchanoff or Alexander "Sacha" Molchanoff was a Russian actor. His child is called Helen Marner.
Marner was born in Russia and spent his childhood there. However, at the age of 15, he and his family emigrated to Great Britain to escape the political instability in their homeland. Marner went on to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began his career in the entertainment industry as a stage actor.
During World War II, Marner served with the Royal Air Force and was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in combat. After the war, he returned to his acting career and became a well-known television and film actor.
Some of Marner's most famous roles include playing Colonel von Strohm in the television series "‘Allo ‘Allo!" and appearing in films such as "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "The Sum of All Fears." He also had a successful career as a voice actor and narrated several documentaries and audiobooks.
Marner passed away in Perth, Scotland at the age of 82. He is remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry and his service to his country during World War II.
In addition to his successful career on stage and screen, Richard Marner was also an accomplished radio actor. He appeared in many radio dramas and comedies, including the long-running British radio soap opera "The Archers." Marner also lent his voice to various animated television shows and films, including "The BFG" and "Danger Mouse."Outside of his acting career, Marner was a skilled painter and enjoyed creating artwork in his spare time. He also wrote and published an autobiographical book, "From Major to Minor," which chronicled his experiences as a child performer in Russia and his eventual move to the United Kingdom.In recognition of his contributions to British culture and entertainment, Marner was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1997. He remained active in the entertainment industry until his passing in 2004.
Throughout his career, Richard Marner appeared in over 60 films and television shows. In addition to his successful acting career, he was also a talented linguist, speaking several languages including Russian, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. He often utilized his language skills in his acting roles, playing characters from a variety of nationalities.
Marner was known for being a humble and gracious person, and was beloved by his fans and colleagues. His contributions to the entertainment industry through his memorable performances and voice acting roles continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans today.
Yuri Katin-Yartsev (July 23, 1921 Moscow-March 18, 1994 Moscow) a.k.a. Yuri Vasilyevich Katin-Yartsev or Yu. Katin-Yartsev was a Russian actor.
He is best known for his performances in Soviet films including "The Cranes are Flying" (1957), "The Forty-First" (1956), and "Ballad of a Soldier" (1959). Katin-Yartsev began his acting career on the stage but soon transitioned to film, where he quickly gained recognition for his talent. He won several awards in his career including the USSR State Prize and the Order of the Red Banner of Labor. In addition to acting, Katin-Yartsev was also a screenwriter, director, and professor, teaching at the All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography. Despite his success, Katin-Yartsev faced censorship in the Soviet Union and his work was often subject to government scrutiny. He ultimately passed away in Moscow at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as one of the great actors of Soviet cinema.
Katin-Yartsev was born into a family of artists and intellectuals; his father was a well-known artist and his mother was an opera singer. He graduated from the GITIS theater school in 1943 and made his stage debut at the Moscow Theater of Drama and Comedy in 1944. He quickly gained recognition for his talent, and in 1952 he made his film debut in "The Young Guard". His performance in "The Forty-First" earned him critical acclaim and propelled him to stardom.
In addition to his acting and teaching, Katin-Yartsev was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and a deputy of the Moscow City Council. He was also a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, although he was known to be critical of some of the party's policies.
Despite his success, Katin-Yartsev was not immune to personal tragedy. In 1963, his wife, actress Zoya Kaidanovskaya, died of cancer at the age of 34. Katin-Yartsev never remarried and dedicated himself to his work and his daughter, actress Natalya Katin-Yartseva.
Today, Katin-Yartsev is remembered as one of the great actors of Soviet cinema, and his performances continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and actors in Russia and beyond.
Katin-Yartsev was known for his versatility as an actor, able to seamlessly transition from dramatic roles to comedic ones. He also had a talent for improvisation and often added his own lines to scripts to enhance the character's personality. His work was not limited to Soviet cinema, as he also appeared in international films such as the Italian film "Le notti bianche" (1957) directed by Luchino Visconti.
Katin-Yartsev's legacy lives on through his daughter, Natalya, who followed in his footsteps and became an actress. She has described her father as a role model and mentor who taught her the importance of hard work and dedication in the field.
In his later years, Katin-Yartsev suffered from health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. However, he continued to work and remained dedicated to his craft until his passing in 1994. Despite facing censorship and political pressures, Katin-Yartsev remained true to his artistic vision and left a lasting impact on Soviet cinema.
Nikolai Dupak (October 5, 1921 Starobesheve Raion-) also known as N. Dupak or Nikolai Lukyanovitch Dupak is a Russian actor.
He began his career in theatre in 1940 and later transitioned into film in 1948 with his debut in "Carnival Night". Throughout his career, Dupak has appeared in over 120 films and has become a well-known character actor in both comedic and serious roles. He was awarded the prestigious People's Artist of the USSR award in 1974 for his contributions to the arts. In addition to his acting work, Dupak is also known for his charity work and has been involved in various philanthropic organizations throughout his career. Despite his advanced age, Dupak continues to act and remains a beloved figure in Russian cinema.
In 1941, Nikolai Dupak was drafted into the Soviet Army during World War II and fought on the front lines as part of the infantry. Due to his bravery and dedication, he was awarded multiple medals for his service, including the Order of the Patriotic War. After the war, he returned to his acting career and continued to work in both film and theatre.
Some of his notable film roles include the character Golobrodov in "The Twelve Chairs" (1971), Lyudmila's father in "Moscow Doesn't Believe in Tears" (1980), and Ivan Ivanovich in "The Diamond Arm" (1969), which was one of the highest-grossing Soviet films of all time.
In addition to his work as an actor, Dupak has also been involved in politics and served as a member of the Supreme Soviet, the highest legislative body in the Soviet Union. He was also elected to the Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, in 1995.
Despite his age, Nikolai Dupak is still active and continues to appear in films and theatrical productions. In recent years, he has also published several books about his life and career. He remains a beloved figure in Russian culture and is considered a national treasure for his contributions to the arts.
In addition to his work in film and politics, Nikolai Dupak has also made significant contributions to the world of theatre. He has appeared in numerous stage productions throughout his career and is known for his versatile acting skills. Some of his most notable theatre performances include his roles in "The Inspector General" (1951), "The Cherry Orchard" (1957), and "The Government Inspector" (1968). Dupak has also directed several theatre productions and is highly respected amongst his peers in the theatre community.
Outside of his acting and political careers, Dupak is also known for his philanthropic work. He has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Russian Children's Welfare Society, and has used his fame to raise awareness and funds for causes he is passionate about. At the age of 100, he continues to work actively in charity organizations and attend events to support causes he cares about.
Overall, Nikolai Dupak is a beloved figure in Russian culture. He has had a long and successful career in acting, politics, and philanthropy, and has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions. Despite his age, he remains active and continues to inspire generations with his talent and dedication to the arts.