His name was Nicholas “Nikolai” Yakovchenko, and he was his country’s contribution to the world of comedic theatre and cinema. Scroll down for a quick glimpse of him playing Pronya Prokopovna’s father in “Chasing Two Hares,” one of Nikolai’s most famous roles:

Though Yakovchenko was born in Priluki, Chernigov Governorate, Russian Empire, it is now Pryluky, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine, and in 2000, a bronze sculpture was installed in Kiev, Ukraine to honor the 100 year jubilee of the comedian (and his beloved Dachshund, “Fan Fan”).  The bench is located in a park near Ivan Franko’s theater where he spent most of his acting career.  Kievan kids like to climb onto the shoulders of the old actor and stroke the back of his dog, and young girls like to sit on his knee. By all accounts, this would make Yakovchenko happy as he loved to be in the heart of company.

Photo (and many like it) was found on Pinterest and will be happily credited upon receipt of information