Nicholai Konovaloff, a Russian cavalry officer, graduated from the Grand Duke's Military Academy in 1913. After the Communist seizure of power and victory in the Russian Civil War, Konovaloff emigrated from Russia, joining the many "White Army" officers seeking political asylum abroad.
He initially considered migrating to England but eventually decided to settle in the United States. Although claiming to have held the rank of colonel in the Russian Army, Konovaloff adopted the pseudonym "Major Nichols" upon his arrival in America.
In the 1920s, Hollywood's demand for horses and riders in westerns created an opportunity for ex-cavalrymen from the White Russian Army, and Konovaloff capitalized on this trend. He was cast in higher military ranks, including generals, and worked primarily for MGM in the late 1920s, albeit without official screen credit.
Konovaloff's filmography includes at least two vehicles for Greta Garbo, "Love" and "Mysterious Lady," both produced by MGM. He was also hired by Paramount and worked for other, lesser studios during the 1930s.
Interestingly, Konovaloff's official screen credits identify him by his true name in only one film and under his pseudonym, "Major Nichols," in three films. His grandson, Nicholai Konovaloff, a photographer in Sacramento, California, assisted in compiling this biographical sketch in honor of his grandfather.
