Sergey Stolyarov Actor Date of Birth: 01.11.1911 Country: Russia

1. Sergei Stolyarov Biography
2. Debut in Film
3. Personal Life and Repression
4. Continued Success and Popularity
5. World Recognition and Later Years
6. Legacy and Death

Sergei Stolyarov Biography

Sergei Stolyarov was born on November 1, 1911 in the village of Bezzubovo, Tula Province, in the family of forester Dmitry Stolyarov. In the late 1920s, Stolyarov graduated from the First Professional Technical School in Moscow and worked as a locomotive engineer on the Kiev Railway. In his free time, he studied at a theater studio for workers organized by actor Alexei Diky at the Moscow Art Theatre (MHAT). Stolyarov's acting abilities were evident, so after completing the studio, he was advised to apply to the MHAT. In 1932, during the entrance exams at the famous theater, Stolyarov recited a monologue by Neil from Maxim Gorky's play "The Lower Depths". His performance was excellent, and he was accepted into the theater by the high commission, which included Konstantin Stanislavski, Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, and Vsevolod Meyerhold.

Debut in Film

In 1934, the young actor was noticed by director Alexander Dovzhenko, who invited him to play a small role as a pilot in his film "Aerograd". This marked Stolyarov's debut in film. His debut was successful, as the tall and handsome Stolyarov couldn't help but attract attention. In 1936, director Grigori Aleksandrov invited him to play the lead role in his new film "Circus". This film marked the beginning of Stolyarov's stellar career as a film actor. His face appeared on giant billboards, in newspapers, and magazines. It was through this film that he was reunited with his mother and brother Roman after 18 years of separation.

Personal Life and Repression

In the early 1930s, Stolyarov's personal life was also developing successfully. In 1930, he met young actress Olga Konstantinova, and they eventually got married. However, their wedding was postponed due to Olga's studies. They lived in a small room without a stove or much furniture. In 1931, they welcomed their son Kirill. Despite his rising fame, Stolyarov's personal life took a dramatic turn in 1937 when he became a victim of the repression during that time. The year started off well for him, with the birth of his son and the premiere of the film "Circus". However, he refused to attend the premiere due to the execution of cinematographer Vladimir Nielsen, who was a close friend. Despite the turmoil, the film was a success, and Stolyarov received only his regular salary for his work.

Continued Success and Popularity

Despite the personal hardships, Stolyarov's career continued to thrive. He appeared in several successful films, including "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Vasilisa the Beautiful" in 1938 and 1939, respectively. In 1944, he played the role of Nikita Kozhemyaka in the film "Kashchey the Immortal". Stolyarov's popularity among the people was immense. He was recognized everywhere he went, and people greeted him on the streets. However, he remained humble and continued to live a modest life.

World Recognition and Later Years

In 1953, the film "Sadko" was released, with Stolyarov in the lead role. The film brought him international recognition, and he won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival. Despite his success, Stolyarov was not sent to the festival due to ideological reasons. However, in the following years, he traveled to Argentina with a delegation to showcase the film. In the late 1950s and 1960s, Stolyarov's film career slowed down, and he focused more on stage performances. He became a member of the Communist Party in 1958 and continued to work in the theater. He formed a creative group that toured the country, performing poetry and vignettes.

Legacy and Death

In the late 1960s, Stolyarov's health deteriorated after a scandal that led to his dismissal from the Theater of Film Actors. He passed away on December 9, 1969. He was survived by his wife Olga and their son Kirill. Stolyarov's son, following in his father's footsteps, also became an actor. To commemorate his father, Kirill Stolyarov had a monument erected on his grave, made from a stone taken from a demolished chapel in Moscow. Sergei Stolyarov remains a celebrated figure in the history of Soviet cinema, known for his talent, humility, and dedication.