Mikhail Ivanovich Zharov was born on October 27, 1899, in Moscow, Russian Empire, to a printing press worker father. Zharov's passion for theatre began at a young age, and he was caught backstage in 1915, copying facial expressions and movements of the famous Russian opera actor Feodor Chaliapin Sr. Chaliapin Sr. was impressed with Zharov's acting skills and encouraged him by presenting him with a signed photograph. Zharov's early career was marked by his work at the Theatre of Vsevolod Meyerhold from 1921-1925, touring Russia with various troupes, and being a permanent member at the Moscow Chamber Theatre of Aleksandr Tairov from 1931-1938.
Zharov made his film debut in the silent film 'Ivan the Terrible' in 1915, and he went on to play bit parts in several silent films during the 1920s. He gained popularity after his role as gangster Zhigan in 'Road to Life' in 1931, and his work for directors Grigoriy Kozintsev and Leonid Trauberg in the Maksim trilogy. Zharov was awarded the Stalin's Prize for his supporting role as Menshikov in 'Conquests of Peter the Great. Parts One and Two' in 1941, and for his portrayal of Maluta Skuratov in 'Ivan the Terrible, Part I' in 1944.
Zharov was a permanent member of the legendary troupe at Maly Academic Theatre in Moscow from 1938-1981, where he worked alongside many notable Russian actors. He was also designated People's Actor of the USSR and Russia, and he starred in more than 20 films and played over 100 stage roles.
However, Zharov's acting career was severely affected by the arrest of his father-in-law on false accusations of treason to kill Joseph Stalin in 1952. Film directors were afraid to cast Zharov for several years after that, and theatre administration did not give him any new stage work. Zharov was made an outcast in the atmosphere of suspiciousness and political repressions during the dictatorship of Joseph Stalin.
Fifteen years after Stalin's death, Zharov made a successful comeback, starring as Aniskin in the popular film-trilogy that he also directed. He passed away on December 15, 1981, and was laid to rest in Novodevichy Convent Cemetery in Moscow, Russia.
