Yuri Yuryev was a Russian actor known for his work at the Aleksandrinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. He is best recognized for his roles in Shakespeare’s tragedies, such as Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear.
Personal and Family Life
Yuri Mikhailovich Yuryev was born on January 15, 1872, in Moscow. His uncle, Sergei Yuryev, was a writer and critic who significantly influenced Yuri’s early life. He began his acting journey studying under A. Yuzhin in the 1880s and performed at the Maly Theatre in Moscow before moving to St. Petersburg in 1893.
Career Highlights
Yuri Yuryev had a notable career at the Aleksandrinsky Theatre, performing there from the 1900s until the 1940s. In 1913, he debuted in German silent films, directed by Georg Jacoby. Amongst his achievements, he co-founded the Bolshoi Drama Theatre in 1919 alongside prominent figures like Maxim Gorky. Despite a brief period at Meyerhold’s theatre in Moscow, he returned to the Aleksandrinsky Theatre, where he continued to perform until the end of his life.
Death and Legacy
Yuri Yuryev passed away on March 13, 1948, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). He was honored as a People’s Actor of Russia and received an Honorary Doctorship in Art History for his memoirs. His final performance as Othello took place in January 1945 during the siege of Leningrad, underscoring his dedication to the arts during challenging times. He was buried in the Necropolis of Masters of Arts at Tikhvinskoe Cemetery in St. Petersburg.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Capt. Grant’s Family | Captain Tom Grant (as Yu Yuryev) |
| 1935 | Strogiy yunosha | Professor Yuliyan Stepanov |
| 1913 | Roman Russkoy baleriny | Artist |