The end of the nineteenth century was marked by numerous innovations, among which cinematography stood out. It quickly gained popularity among both viewers and actors. The Russian theatrical school has always been renowned for its high standards, so soon after the advent of cinematography, the first Russian films began to be made, featuring the talented actor Pavel Nikolaevich Orlenev. Today we will tell you about the life of this outstanding individual, who became famous in the pre-revolutionary years and remained on stage for a long time.

Pavel Nikolaevich Orlov, who later changed his surname to Orlenev, was born on March 6, 1869. His family, belonging to the merchant class, lived in Moscow. From a young age, he showed an interest in theater and made his debut on stage at the age of 12. This event became a turning point in his life. Subsequently, he was expelled from gymnasium for his unwillingness to study and spent a year studying at the theater school of the Maly Theater. After that, Pavel Nikolaevich first performed on the stage of the Maly Theater, and at 15 he went on tour in the provinces. For six years, he acted in cities such as Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Vologda, Vilnius, and others. Upon returning to Moscow, he worked for several years at the then-popular 'Korsh Theater,' where the 'Theater of Nations' is now located. In 1895, the famous publisher and playwright Alexander Sergeyevich Suvorin invited the young actor Orlenev to the capital, where he joined the St. Petersburg Maly Theater.

In St. Petersburg, Pavel Nikolaevich's career gained new momentum. He played numerous roles, including Raskolnikov and Dmitry Karamazov, and then created his own troupe and went on tour. The performances he participated in were hugely successful in Western Europe and the USA. Upon returning home, he organized a free theater for peasants and played several roles in films. Pavel Nikolaevich had a negative perception of the Bolsheviks' arrival but decided to stay in Russia, wrote a book about his life, and received the title of People's Artist. He passed away in 1932 at the age of 63.