Tall, bald and tough-looking Russian-born actor in international films. Studied medicine in St. Petersburg but fled from Russia (via Finland) in 1921, as a consequence of the fallout from the October Revolution. Continued studies in Berlin but made his acting debut on the Parisian stage in 1924. Appeared in several French silent films before setting up base in Germany where he often played insidious Russian villains. Moved to France after the war, continued playing assorted heavies on screen. Became a Swiss citizen in 1953, taking up residence in Basel.