Nikolai Cherkasov

Nikolai Cherkasov was a distinguished Soviet actor renowned for his contributions to both theater and film. His illustrious career began after he graduated from the Institute of Performing Arts in 1926. Cherkasov’s professional journey commenced in 1919 as a mimic artist at the Petrograd Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theater and the Bolshoi Drama Theater, where he honed his craft. He subsequently performed at the Leningrad Youth Theater (1926-1929) and worked in various venues, including the Leningrad and Moscow music halls (1929-1931) and the Leningrad Mobile Theater "Comedy" (1931-1933).

From 1933 until 1965, he became a prominent figure at the Leningrad Academic Drama Theater named after Pushkin. Cherkasov’s talent was recognized with several prestigious honors, including the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR in 1937, followed by People's Artist of the RSFSR in 1939 and People's Artist of the USSR in 1947. Notably, he became the only actor whose likeness was featured on the Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky, a distinction personally approved by Stalin.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Cherkasov engaged in politics, serving as a member of the Supreme Council of the RSFSR and the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. He passed away on September 14 at the age of 64 and was laid to rest in the Necropolis of Artists at the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in Leningrad. In 1970, a street in the city was named in his honor, commemorating his lasting legacy.