Actor, Singer. Born of Jewish ancestry, he became one of Russia’s most popular cinema and recording artists. He was one of the first Soviet entertainers to perform for Russian troops during the Second World War, and during the Russian-Sino border dispute of the mid 1960s. He made his motion picture debut in the 1936 film “Prisoners.” His other film credits include: “The Miners” (1937), “The Man with the Rifle” (1938), “The Fighters” (1939), “A Great Life” (1940), Diary of a Nazi” (1942), “Two Soldiers” (1943), “The Turning Point” (1945), “Far From Moscow” (1950), “The Frigid Sea” (1954), “School of Courage” (1954), “Night Guard” (1957) and “Eugene, Little Eugene and Katyusha” in 1967. In addition to his film credits, he was also an accomplished singer and recording artist. His musical recording credits included: “Clouds Rise Over the City,” “The Dark Night,” “I Love You, My Life,” “Song About Odessa,” “Where Does the Homeland Begin?” and the “Boys From Moscow.” In 1968 he made his final recording of the “Ballad About the Cranes,” released shortly before his death from lung cancer the following year. He was the recipient of the USSR State Prize in 1951, and was named the People’s Actor of the USSR in 1965. In 1999 his lifetime achievements in the Soviet film and music industry were recognized by the Russian Government, with a postage stamp commissioned in his honor.  (bio by: Nils M. Solsvik Jr.)  Family links:  Spouse:  Lilia Mikhaylovna Bodrova Bernes (1929 – 2006)* *Calculated relationship