Feodor Chaliapin Jr. was an American actor best known for his roles in The Name of the Rose, Moonstruck, and For Whom the Bell Tolls. Born into a family with a rich artistic background, he carved a successful path in the film industry as a distinguished character actor.
Personal and Family Life
Feodor Ivanovich Chaliapin Jr. was born on October 6, 1905, in Moscow, Russia, as the youngest of six children. His father was the famous Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin Sr., and his mother, Iola Tornagi, was a prima ballerina. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the family fled to Paris. Chaliapin grew up in a multilingual environment and had opportunities to socialize with notable artists like Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Career
After relocating to Hollywood from Paris, Chaliapin Jr. made a name for himself playing various roles in silent films and later sound films. He is particularly remembered for his poignant performance as Kashkin in For Whom the Bell Tolls. Throughout his career, he portrayed various Russian characters in post-war films and was recognized for his ability to elevate any scene he was in.
Death and Legacy
Feodor Chaliapin Jr. passed away from natural causes on September 17, 1992, in Rome, Italy. He was buried beside his mother, who died in 1964. His legacy lives on through his diverse film roles and his contributions to cinema, as well as through his family’s artistic heritage.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Name of the Rose | 1986-09-24 | Jorge de Burgos |
| Moonstruck | 1987-12-16 | Old Man |
| Velluto nero | 1976-08-06 | Hal |
| Inferno | 1980-02-07 | Professor Arnold / Dr. Varelli |
| The Inner Circle | 1992-02-28 | Prof. Bartnev |
| Catacombs | 1988-05-14 | Brother Terrel |
| La maschera | 1988-05-10 | Leonardo’s father |
| Das Schiff der verlorenen Menschen | 1929-09-17 | Nick (as F. Schaljapin) |
| Stanley & Iris | 1990-02-09 | Leonides Cox |
| For Whom the Bell Tolls | 1943-07-12 | Kashkin |
| My Life with Caroline | 1941-08-01 | Sky Man |
| Balalaika | 1939-12-15 | Soldier (uncredited) |
| Nonostante le apparenze… | 1972-03-16 | Senatore Torsello |
| Roma | 1972-03-16 | Actor Playing Julius Cesar (uncredited) |
| The Seventh Victim | 1943-08-21 | Leo (Uncredited) |
| Modì | 1989-10-01 | Pierre-Auguste Renoir |
| Sodom and Gomorrah | 1962-10-04 | Alabias |
| Summer’s Lease | 1989-11-01 |