Sergey Alexandrovich Martinson was a renowned Russian comic actor, pantomime master, and buffoon, known for his exceptional talent in the field of grotesque. Born on February 7, 1899, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Martinson was the son of a nobleman of Swedish descent. His parents, who were avid theater enthusiasts, took their son to numerous performances, which instilled in him a deep love for the art form.
Martinson's early years were marked by his passion for acting. After completing one year of education at the Technological Institute, he decided to pursue a career in the performing arts. Although he initially failed to gain acceptance at the theatrical institute, he persevered and was eventually accepted on his second attempt.
Throughout his career, Martinson worked in various theaters, including the Theatre of the Revolution, where he played from 1924 to 1941. He also worked under the direction of Vsevolod Meyerhold at the Meyerhold Theatre, where he was the leading actor from 1925-1926, 1929-1933, and 1937-1938. During this period, he appeared in several notable productions, including The Government Inspector and Mandate.
Martinson's career in film began in 1924, when he played his first role in the film Adventures of Oktyabrina. He went on to play a wide range of characters, including his iconic portrayal of Hitler in the film The New Adventures of Soldier Svejk. According to Martinson, Hitler was so displeased with his portrayal that he included him on his personal "black list" and threatened to hang him on the first lamppost.
Martinson was married three times and had two daughters, Anna and Natasha, both of whom followed in their father's footsteps and pursued careers in the arts. His third wife, Luisa, was 30 years his junior and they had a daughter, Natasha, who was born in 1956. Although they divorced several years after the birth of their daughter, they maintained a lifelong friendship and Luisa cared for Martinson during his later years.
Throughout his life, Martinson received numerous accolades, including being named a People's Artist of the RSFSR in 1964. He passed away on September 2, 1984, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and respected comic actors in Russian cinema.
