How a close associate of Nicholas II's family became a Soviet comedic actor

Grigory Pinkovsky (Georgy Svetlani, 1895-1983) was a man of remarkable destiny. He starred in dozens of Soviet comedies, including the cult classic ‘Kidnapping, Caucasian Style’ (1967). Interestingly, he was also close to the imperial family as a child.

In 1907, the hardworking and diligent cabin boy with an "angelic voice" was sent to serve on the imperial yacht ‘Shtandart’. On it, Pinkovsky became a playmate of Tsarevich Alexei, the then young heir to the throne. The emperor's son became very attached to his new friend, refusing to eat or sleep, unless he was nearby.

"Alexei could be capricious, lose his temper and even throw a tantrum, but he didn't dare utter a peep in front of his father. And, God forbid, if Nicholas saw the heir crying," the actor wrote.

Two years later, his service on the ‘Shtandart’ ended. Pinkovsky graduated from cabin boy school, but decided to abandon his naval career. He instead enrolled in conducting courses and then devoted himself entirely to cinema.