Alexander Nikolayevich Vertinsky (Russian: Александр Николаевич Вертинский) (21 March 1889, Kiev – 21 May 1957, Moscow) was Russian artist, poet, singer, composer, cabaret artist and actor.

Biography

In his early years he used a scenic figure of Pierrot singing miniature novellas-in-song were known as ariettes, or "Pierrot's doleful dities". The novice performer was christened the "Russian Pierrot", gained renown, became an object of imitation, admiration, simultaneously vilified in the press and lionized by the audiences.

Vertinsky left Russia in November 1920. From Poland, Vertinsky moved to France, and then left to go to the USA. After a successful tour, again he returned to France, but soon he moved to China. There he was married for the second time, and a daughter was soon born. In order to feed his family, as an artist it was necessary for him to give two concerts during the day. In 1943, Vertinsky asked permission to return to the USSR. Vertinsky passed away on 21 May 1957, in Moscow.

His daughters Anastasiya and Marianna are notable actresses.