Aleksandr Kalyagin

Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Kalyagin was born on May 25, 1942, in the village of Malmyzh, Kirov region, Russia. His father, named Aleksandr Ivanovich Kalyagin, was the Dean of history at the Moscow State University, he died when the son was only one month old. His mother, named Yulia Mironovna Kalyagina (nee Zaydeman), was a teacher of French and English, she knew five languages. She was 40 years old when her only son, the future actor was born. She was a single mother during the Second World War.

At the age of 13, Kalyagin wrote a sincere and youthful letter to the leading Russian comedian Arkady Raykin. Rajkin replied with advise, "Talent is a hard work. Study, study, study." Later Rajkin would say that Kalyagin was his student. But at first he studied to be a medical nurse and worked as an Emergency and Ambulance nurse in Moscow for two years. Then he studied acting at the Shchukin Theatre School, where his teacher was Boris Zakhava.

Kalyagin played his first leading role in 'A Man Before His Time' (1971), an adaptation of the eponymous play by Maxim Gorky by director Abram Room. His popular works as a comedian were in 'Chyorny Prints' (1973) and 'Zdravstvuyte, ya vasha tyotya!' (1975), a TV adaptation of 'Charley's Aunt'. The latter became a very popular cult film among Russian intellectuals, due to the stellar cast, brilliant script, and clever direction by Viktor Titov. Kalyagin's superb acting in the role of 'Barbs Baberley' was highlighted with many interesting allusions and hints.

Kalyagin is best known for the leading role of 'Platonov' in 'Neokonchennaya pyesa dlya mekhanicheskogo pianino' (1977), directed by Nikita Mikhalkov and based on the play by Anton Chekhov. That role stands out for many good reasons; his mature acting, the solid direction by Mikhalkov, and the harmonious ensemble of supporting actors, such as Elena Solovey, Evgeniya Glushenko, Sergey Nikonenko, Yuriy Bogatyryov, Oleg Tabakov, Pavel Kadochnikov, Nikolai Pastukhov, Nikita Mikhalkov, and others.

Aleksandr Kalyagin was honored with the title of the People's actor of Russia. He was decorated and received government awards as well as awards at various festivals. He is the Chairman of the Commission for Culture advising to the President of Russia. He is the Artistic Director of the Moscow Theatre 'Et cetera', and the head of the Theatrical Union of Russia. Aleksandr Kalyagin lives in Moscow.