A letter addressed to Joseph Stalin, written by a factory worker aspiring to act, prompted a reply from the Soviet leader that secured a place at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography for Yevgeny Morgunov. This unlikely beginning launched a career that saw him become a mainstay of Russian cinema, spanning decades of Soviet and post-Soviet film production.
Early Career and Education
Born in 1927 in Moscow, Morgunov started his working life in a factory. His transition to the arts followed his communication with Stalin, which facilitated his entry into the State Institute of Cinematography. He began appearing in films while still a student, with early credits including Six P.M. in 1944 and The Young Guard in 1948.
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Morgunov achieved his greatest recognition as the character Byvaly—or Experienced—in a series of comedies directed by Leonid Gaidai. Alongside Yuri Nikulin and Georgy Vitsin, he formed a comedic trio that subverted Soviet expectations by portraying unemployed, mischievous, and drinking men. Notable films in this cycle include Dog Barbos and Unusual Cross, Moonshiners, Operation Y and Shurik's Other Adventures, and Kidnapping, Caucasian Style. In these roles, he was characterized as the assertive, tight-lipped leader of the group.
Directing and Later Roles
Beyond his acting, Morgunov attempted a career in direction. In 1962, he directed the comedy When the Cossacks Weep under the patronage of author Michail Sholokhov, though he did not return to the director's chair for subsequent features. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he appeared in films such as Three Fat Men and Ilf and Petrov Rode a Tram. His later career included a role in the 1993 American-Russian production My Family Treasure alongside Dee Wallace.
Recognition and Legacy
In 1978, the Russian SFSR awarded him the title of Honored Artist. His service and professional contributions were further acknowledged through the Medal for Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945, the Medal Veteran of Labour, and the Medal In Commemoration of the 850th Anniversary of Moscow. Morgunov died in 1999 and was interred at the Kuntsevo Cemetery in Moscow.
Fast facts
- Born: 1927, Moscow
- Died: 1999, Moscow
- Education: Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography
- Notable Character: Byvaly (Experienced)
- Directorial Work: When the Cossacks Weep (1963)
- Honored Artist of the RSFSR: 1978
- Burial Site: Kuntsevo Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Morgunov's most famous comedic trio?
He starred alongside Yuri Nikulin and Georgy Vitsin in a series of popular comedies directed by Leonid Gaidai.
Did Morgunov ever direct films?
Yes, he directed one film, When the Cossacks Weep, in 1962.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, film director and theatre director
