Michael Chekhov

Michael Chekhov was born in Saint Petersburg in August 1891. His father, Alexander, was the older brother to famous Russian playwright and director Anton Chekhov, and so the young Michael’s future in the theatre was virtually assured. At age 20, Chekhov began his studies in acting at the Moscow Art Theatre, under the direction of Konstantin Stanislavski.

While training at the Moscow Art Theatre, Chekhov met Olga Chekhova, the niece of Anton Chekhov’s wife, Olga Knipper. The two of them were married, and had one daughter, named Ada.

After the October Revolution in Russia (1917-1923), Chekhov formed his own company and spent several years touring across Europe and America. During this time, he met American actress Beatrice Straight, who encouraged him to bring his methods to Hollywood. After the Second World War, Chekhov returned to Europe briefly to teach and train actors in his methodology, but made his home in Beverly Hills, California. He died of a heart attack in his home in 1955.

Key Dates & Events

• 1917 - The beginning of the October Revolution in Russia.
• 1922 - Chekhov becomes director of the First Studio, which was subsequently renamed Moscow Art Theatre II.
• 1930-1935 - Chekhov works in Kaunas State Drama Theatre in Lithuania.
• 1936 - Chekhov stars in a production of The Inspector General in New York.
• 1936-1939 - Chekhov establishes The Chekhov Theatre School at Dartington Hall, in Devon, England.
• 1942 - Chekhov publishes his first book on acting methodology, On the Technique of Acting.
• 1944 - Chekhov moves to Hollywood and appears in a dozen films.