Karandash

Mikhail Nikolayevich Rumyantsev (31 March 1983), better known under his stage name Karandash 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.

Family life Rumyantsev was born in Saint Petersburg, and had two younger siblings, brother Kostya and sister Lena.

During World War II, Rumyantsev toured on frontiers and mocked fascist forces 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 was named after him.