**Nikolay Konstantinovich Cherkasov (1903-1966)** was one of the most celebrated Soviet actors of his era, known for his imposing stage presence and his ability to embody complex historical and intellectual figures.

His film career is inextricably linked to his collaborations with director Sergei Eisenstein. Cherkasov brought to life iconic performances such as Prince **Alexander Nevsky** (1938), the legendary Russian hero, and, above all, Tsar **Ivan the Terrible** in the two parts of Eisenstein's masterpiece (1944, 1958).

Beyond these epic roles, he also distinguished himself as the Bolshevik professor Polezhayev in **Baltic Deputy** (1937), which earned him the Stalin Prize, and subsequently as **Don Quixote** (1957) in Grigori Kozintsev's adaptation. His style was characterized by majestic dignity, psychological depth, and remarkable physical stature, making him the ideal interpreter for roles of great scope and moral complexity.