Mikhail Rumyantsev
Biography
Mikhail Nikolayevich Rumyantsev (Russian: Михаил Николаевич Румя́нцев) (10 December 1901 – 31 March 1983), better known under his stage name Karandash (Russian: Каранда́ш which means pencil), was a famous Soviet clown. He was a People's Artist of the USSR and a Hero of Socialist Labour, and was the teacher of the famous Russian clowns Oleg Popov and Yuri Nikulin. Starting his career in the circus arena as the imitator of Charlie Chaplin, Mikhail Rumyantsev then abandoned it for, or rather, transformed that part into his would-be renowned image of Karandash always accompanied with his hallmark Scottish Terrier named Klyaksa (which means blot). He enjoyed immense popularity with the Soviet audience and often gathered full houses all over the country. Rumyantsev taught his profession to both Oleg Popov and Yuri Nikulin. During the Second World War, Rumyantsev mimicked German soldiers. In 1960, he toured South America with the Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard. Altogether Karandash had worked in the circus for 55 years, the last time he appeared in the arena was just two weeks prior to his death. The Moscow Circus School was named after him. (Wiki)
Known For & Full Filmography10 Titles
Movie - 1938, 2h 15m • as Карандаш (нет в титрах)
A comedy about a naive young architect and his wild designs for a “New Moscow.” The Soviet censors weren't at all amused and shelved it.
Movie - 1938, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
A comedy about a naive young architect and his wild designs for a “New Moscow.” The Soviet censors weren't at all amused and shelved it.
Drama Series - 2016, 16 episodes • as Self (archive footage)
An outstanding performance featuring brilliant storytelling, high stakes drama, and unforgettable character arcs.
Movie - 1942, 2h 15m • as Karandash the Clown
A musical film dedicated to the soldiers fighting at the front line.
Movie - 1944, 2h 15m • as Italian
The story takes place in Summer 1942, when a small force of Black Sea Fleet sailors was surrounded by German troops but broke out the encirclement.
Movie - 1971, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
Documentary film about the Soviet circus with the participation of Yuri Nikulin, Zinovy Gerdt, Yuri Durov, Mikhail Rumyantsev and Irina Shestua.
Movie - 1941, 2h 15m • as Синичкин
The house manager, Sinichkin, is obsessed with his plan to turn the courtyard into a place for cultured recreation. He devotes all his time and energy to thinking through and drafting projects. Meanwhile, the courtyard has been taken over by the neighborhood kids, who have turned it into a football field. The excitement spreads to the adults—and even to the thoughtful building manager himself…
Movie - 1939, 2h 15m • as клоун в цирке (нет в титрах)
An outstanding performance featuring brilliant storytelling, high stakes drama, and unforgettable character arcs.
Movie - 1939, 2h 15m • as официант в вагоне-ресторане
A young girl is traveling from Siberia to Moscow in order to get help with the mink farm she is working in and which is suffering under incompetent management.
Movie - 1948, 2h 15m • as clown Karandash
An outstanding performance featuring brilliant storytelling, high stakes drama, and unforgettable character arcs.