Karandash

Mikhail Nikolayevich Rumyantsev (10 December 1901 – 31 March 1983), better known under his stage name "Karandash" (which means pencil), was a famous Soviet clown. He was a People's Artist of the USSR and a Hero of Socialist Labour, and was the teacher of the famous Russian clowns Oleg Popov and Yuri Nikulin.

Career as clown

Starting his career in the circus arena as the imitator of Charlie Chaplin, Mikhail Rumyantsev then abandoned it for, or rather, transformed that part into his would-be renowned image of Karandash always accompanied with his hallmark Scottish Terrier named Klyaksa (which means blot).

He enjoyed immense popularity with the Soviet audience and often gathered full houses all over the country. He had courage to ridicule such topics as religion, alcohol, fascism and even Soviet regime.

Rumyantsev taught his profession to both Oleg Popov and Yuri Nikulin.

During the Second World War, Rumyantsev toured on frontiers and mimicked German soldiers to raise soldiers’ morale.

In 1960, he toured South America with the Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard.

Altogether Karandash had worked in the circus for 55 years, the last time he appeared in the arena was just two weeks prior to his death.

The Moscow Circus School was named after him.