Mikhail Kokshenov

Mikhail Kokshenov (1936–2020). After initially working as an engineer, he graduated from the Shchukin Theatre Institute in 1963 and spent decades portraying a unique archetype: the physically imposing but often simple-minded, bumbling "village boy" or lovable tough guy. He became a staple of Leonid Gaidai’s legendary comedies, most notably as the gullible Stepa in Sportloto-82 and the hilarious "karateka" in The Garage, while also delivering memorable performances in Zhenya, Zhenechka and "Katyusha", The Most Charming and Attractive, and It Can't Be!.