Chekhov Mikhail Alexandrovich (1891, St Petersburg — 1955, Los Angeles) — actor, director. Nephew of A.P. Chekhov. In 1910, graduated from the Suvorin Theatre School in St Petersburg. In 1910–12, actor at that theatre. In 1912, appointed to the MAT affiliate; in 1915, transferred to the main company. Played Yepikhodov (“The Cherry Orchard,” 1913), the Cat (“The Blue Bird” by Maeterlinck). Performed mainly at the 1st MAT Studio (from 1924 — MKHAT 2nd), of which he was director in 1922–28. Roles there included: Fribee (“Festival of Peace” by Hauptmann, 1913), Malvolio (“Twelfth Night,” 1920), Hamlet (1924). At the main MKHAT stage: Khlestakov (“The Inspector General,” 1921), Yezhevikín (“The Village of Stepanchikovo,” after Dostoyevsky), Waffles (“Uncle Vanya,” both 1919). Directed “Interludes” by Cervantes (1921), “The Taming of the Shrew” (1923). Published the book “The Path of the Actor” (1928). From 1928, abroad. In 1928–30, worked in M. Reinhardt's theatres. Directed “Twelfth Night” at “Habima.” In 1930, opened a theatre school-studio in Paris. In 1934, directed “Parsifal” by Wagner at the Riga National Opera. In 1936, created a theatre studio in Great Britain (Dartington Hall), which in 1939 moved to Ridgefield, USA as the Chekhov Theatre. From the late 1940s, conducted acting courses, including in Hollywood, where Marilyn Monroe was among his pupils. Published memoirs “Life and Encounters” (1944–45); the book “On the Technique of Acting” (1946). Played approximately 20 film roles. Member of the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (1946). Honoured Artist of the Republic (1924).

REE [Russian Jewish Encyclopaedia] 3, 341-342