Born in 1880, he never graduated from high school, he worked as an accountant. From 1921 he studied at the First State Film School ( Leo Kuleshov's workshop ). Since 1925, he actively acted in films. The first role - a worker in the film "Arsenals" became a characteristic role for the subsequent work of the actor. He also was the champion of the Russian Empire in hammer throwing. Self-taught, he began to master hammer throwing at the end of the 19th century and in 1912 became the first record holder in Russia. He was a very good cyclist and an able wrestler too.
