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Nikolai Annenkov, a prominent figure in Russian theatre and descendant of freed peasants, was a leading actor at the Maly Theatre and mentor to numerous film stars.
Born Nikolai Aleksandrovich Kokin on September 21, 1899, in Inzhaviono village, Tambov province, Russian Empire, his grandfather was a freed Russian peasant who established a farming enterprise. His father, Aleksandr Ivanovich Kokin, became a successful farmer and merchant, while his mother, Anna Ivanovna Kokina (née Kazakina), was a homemaker who raised six children. From 1910 to 1917, he attended Tambov Gymnasium, followed by studies at the Moscow Institute of Communications. Between 1919 and 1922, he served in the Red Army Cavalry during the Russian Civil War. He then trained at the Shchepkin School of Acting at the Maly Theatre in Moscow from 1922 to 1924.
Annenkov was a permanent member of the renowned Maly Academic Theatre troupe from 1922 until 1999, performing in over 200 stage roles. He launched his acting career alongside Maria Ermolova and shared the stage with notable actors such as Yelena Gogoleva, A. Yablochkina, Varvara Massalitinova, Vsevolod Aksyonov, Yevdokiya Turchaninova, Vera Pashennaya, Olga Sadovskaya, Elina Bystritskaya, Rufina Nifontova, Boris Babochkin, Mikhail Zharov, Igor Ilyinsky, Yuriy Solomin, among many others.
Renowned for his distinctive voice and pure, expressive Russian speech, Annenkov captivated millions of radio listeners with his readings of classic literature. His eloquent narration of a 24-hour documentary on the Hermitage Museum’s art collection and history earned him numerous accolades. His stage work received praise from acclaimed directors such as Vsevolod Meyerhold, Konstantin Stanislavsky, Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, and Aleksandr Tairov, as well as from critics and audiences throughout Russia.
Annenkov marked his 100th birthday performing on the Maly Theatre stage in Moscow. The celebration attracted numerous celebrities, political leaders, and cultural figures. He was honored with three State Prizes of the USSR and Russia and named People's Artist of the USSR in 1960. From 1946 to 1999, he taught at the Shchepkin School of Maly Theatre, mentoring actors including Oleg Dal, Viktor Pavlov, Georgi Obolensky, Mikhail Kononov, Vitali Solomin, and many others.
Nikolai Annenkov died on September 30, 1999, at the age of 100 and was buried at Novodevichi Convent Cemetery in Moscow.
"Russian is one of the best languages to convey the most subtle motions of soul," Annenkov once said.
