Nicholai Konovaloff was an American actor known for his roles in “The Mysterious Lady,” “Love,” and “Once Upon a Honeymoon.” Born Nikolay Nikolaevich Konovalov on May 17, 1889, in Crimea, he made a mark in the film industry during the late 1920s and 1940s.
Personal and Family Life
Konovaloff trained as a Russian cavalry officer and graduated from the Grand Duke’s Military Academy in 1913. After the Russian Civil War and the rise of the Communist regime, he emigrated to the USA seeking political asylum. He adopted the pseudonym “Major Nichols,” possibly influenced by the roles he played.
Career
In Hollywood, Konovaloff was sought after for westerns due to his equestrian skills as an ex-cavalryman. He worked primarily for MGM during the late 1920s but received little official credit for his roles. Despite this, his obituary mentioned his appearance in at least two notable films starring Greta Garbo.
Death and Legacy
Nicholai Konovaloff passed away on November 20, 1969, in Hayward, California. His legacy lives on through his grandson, who shares his name and has become a photographer in Sacramento, helping to preserve the memory of his grandfather’s life and contributions to film.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Mysterious Lady | 1928-08-04 | Officer Standing at Tania’s Table (uncredited) |
| Love | 1927-11-29 | Cavalryman (uncredited) |
| Once Upon a Honeymoon | 1942-11-27 | Traveler in Warsaw (uncredited) |