Nikolay Parfyonov (actor)

**Nikolay Parfyonov (19 December 1912 – 7 January 1999) was a Soviet and Russian film and stage actor. He was known for his characteristic and often comedic roles, particularly as minor officials, bureaucrats, and military personnel.

Born in the village of Chukhrai, Tambov Governorate, Russian Empire, Parfyonov graduated from the Leningrad Theatrical Studio in 1935 and joined the troupe of the Lensovet Theatre, where he worked for many years.

Parfyonov began appearing in films in the 1940s and amassed a prolific filmography, encompassing over 150 roles. While rarely the lead, he was a consistently recognizable presence in Soviet cinema, lending his distinctive features and acting style to a wide range of characters. Some of his notable film appearances include roles in "Striped Trip" (1961), "Operation Y and Other Shurik's Adventures" (1965), "The Diamond Arm" (1968), "Seventeen Moments of Spring" (1973), "Afonya" (1975), and "The Garage" (1979).

His performances were often marked by a blend of comic timing and a certain underlying seriousness, which made him a popular and memorable character actor.

Nikolay Parfyonov was awarded the title of People's Artist of the RSFSR. He died in Saint Petersburg and is buried in the Serafimovskoe Cemetery.