Ianshin, Mikhail

Born Oct. 20 (Nov. 2), 1902, in Iukhnov, in what is now Kaluga Oblast; died July 17, 1976, in Moscow. Soviet Russian actor and director. People’s Artist of the USSR (1955).

Ianshin studied at the Second Studio of the Moscow Art Theater. In 1924, together with such other young actors as N. P. Khmelev, M. N. Kedrov, and B. N. Livanov, he joined the company of the Moscow Art Academic Theater. One of Ianshin’s best early roles was Lariosik in Bulgakov’s Days of the Turbins. His acting united lyric elements with elements of comedy; his characterizations revealed his subtle humor, warmth, and love for the common man.

Ianshin’s roles included Chebutykin, Telegin, and Sorin in Chekhov’s The Three Sisters, Uncle Vanya, and The Seagull, respectively. He also played Sir Peter in Sheridan’s School for Scandal, Margaritov in Ostrovskii’s Late Love, Kuzovkin in Turgenev’s The Boarder, and Abel in Zahradnik’s Solo for a Striking Clock. Ianshin was artistic director of the Romen Moscow Theater (a Gypsy theater) from 1937 to 1941 and of the Moscow Stanislavsky Dramatic Theater from 1950 to 1963. He appeared in several motion pictures.

Ianshin received the State Prize of the USSR in 1975 and the Stanislavsky State Prize of the RSFSR in 1970. Ianshin was awarded two orders of Lenin, two other orders, and various medals.