Person Biography:
Mikhail Ulyanov was a renowned Russian actor and director, as well as a significant Soviet political figure. He was a Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Co-Chairman of the Theatrical Union of the USSR, and the leader of Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow, Russia.
Born on November 20, 1927, in the village of Bergamak, Omsk province, Soviet Union, Ulyanov enjoyed a rather privileged life during his childhood and youth due to his father's position in the Soviet Communist Party. He joined the Soviet Communist Party himself, which helped his career.
Ulyanov studied acting at Shchukin Theatrical School of Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow from 1946-1950, graduating in 1950 as an actor. He was a permanent member of the troupe at Vakhtangov Drama Theatre, working alongside notable Russian actors such as Vasiliy Lanovoy, Ruben Simonov, and Lyudmila Maksakova.
In 1987, Ulyanov became the artistic director of the Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow. During his career, he was closely watched by the Communist Party and Ekaterina Furtseva, the Minister of Culture. He became known for his portrayal of exemplary communists, Soviet-era heroes, and other characters typical of Soviet propaganda on stage and in film.
Ulyanov played the character of Marshal Georgi Zhukov in several Soviet war films and became the officially approved impersonator of the famous Soviet military leader. He was granted more flexibility in his artistic choices, allowing him to play a range of roles that showcased his acting talent.
Throughout his career, Ulyanov received numerous Soviet and Russian awards and decorations, including the Order of Lenin (twice),Order of October Revolution, and Lenin's Prize and State Prize of the USSR. He died of a heart failure on March 26, 2007, in Moscow, and was laid to rest in Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow, Russia.
