Sergey Mikhalkov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sergey Vladimirovich Mikhalkov
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Mikhalkov celebrating his 90th birthday on 13 March 2003
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Sergey Vladimirovich Mikhalkov
13 March [O.S. 28 February] 1913 |
| Died | 27 August 2009 (aged 96) |
| Resting place | Novodevichy Cemetery |
| Occupation | Chairman of the Union of Writers of the RSFSR, writer and lyricist, playwright |
| Years active | 1935–2009 |
| Known for | Lyricist for the Soviet and Russian anthems |
| Spouse(s) | Natalia Konchalovskaya (m. 1936–1988) Yulia Subbotina (m. 1997–2009) |
| Children | Nikita Mikhalkov Andrei Konchalovsky |
| Relatives | Mikhail Mikhalkov (brother) |
| Awards | Hero of Socialist Labour, Order of St. Andrew |
Sergey Vladimirovich Mikhalkov (Russian: Серге́й Влади́мирович Михалко́в; 13 March 1913 − 27 August 2009) was a famous Soviet and Russian writer. He wrote many books for children and also funny stories called fables. He is most famous for writing the words for both the Soviet and Russian national anthems.
Contents
A Life of Words: Sergey Mikhalkov's Story
Sergey Mikhalkov was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1913. His family was well-known, with a history of important people like admirals and princes. From the 1930s, he became one of the most popular poets for children who spoke Russian.
Beloved Children's Books
Mikhalkov wrote many popular poems for kids. One of his most famous characters is "Uncle Styopa" ("Дядя Стёпа"). Uncle Styopa is a very tall, friendly policeman. He is always ready to help, whether it's rescuing a cat from a tree or doing other good deeds. Kids loved his adventures.
Writing National Anthems
In 1942, when Mikhalkov was 29, his writing caught the attention of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union. The country was in the middle of World War II. Stalin wanted a new national anthem that would feel more Russian.
Mikhalkov wrote words for a song composed by Alexander Alexandrov. This song became the State Anthem of the Soviet Union. It was introduced as the country's new anthem on January 1, 1944.
Changes to the Anthem's Words
After Stalin died in 1953, the original anthem lyrics, which mentioned Stalin, were no longer used. The anthem was played without words for a while. Mikhalkov wrote new lyrics in 1970, which were approved in 1977. These new words removed any mention of Stalin.
The Soviet anthem, with Mikhalkov's lyrics, was used until 1991. At that time, the Soviet Union broke apart.
The Russian National Anthem
When Vladimir Putin became President of Russia in 2000, he wanted to bring back Alexandrov's music for the national anthem. Sergey Mikhalkov, who was 87 years old and retired, was asked to write new words again.
He wrote new lyrics to fit Alexandrov's music. This new version became the National Anthem of Russia, officially adopted on December 30, 2000. So, Mikhalkov wrote the words for two different versions of the national anthem for his country.
Other Works and Awards
Besides the national anthem, Mikhalkov wrote many funny plays and scripts for Soviet comedy movies. He also brought back the old style of writing satirical fables. These are short stories, often with animals, that teach a lesson or make fun of something.
He received many important awards for his work. These included three Stalin Prizes (in 1941, 1942, and 1950).
Later Life and Family
Sergey Mikhalkov lived in Moscow. On his 90th birthday in 2003, President Vladimir Putin visited him to give him the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland", a high honor for his contributions to Russian culture. Mikhalkov also received the Hero of Socialist Labour and the Order of Lenin for his work during the Soviet era.
In 1936, Mikhalkov married Natalia Petrovna Konchalovskaya. They were married for 53 years until she passed away. Later, in 1997, Mikhalkov married Yulia Valeryevna Subbotina.
Mikhalkov is also known as the father of two famous filmmakers: Nikita Mikhalkov and Andrei Konchalovsky.
Sergey Mikhalkov passed away peacefully in Moscow at the age of 96. He was buried at Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow.
Awards and Honors
Sergey Mikhalkov received many awards throughout his long career. Here are some of the most important ones:
From Russia
- Order of St. Andrew (2008): This is the highest honor in Russia, given for amazing contributions to literature and public activities.
- Order "For Merit to the Fatherland", 2nd Class (2003): For his great work in developing Russian culture.
- Order of Honour (1998): For his personal contributions to culture.
- Order of Friendship (1993): For helping arts and literature and strengthening cultural ties between different groups.
From the Soviet Union
- Hero of Socialist Labour (1973): A very high award for outstanding work.
- Order of Lenin (1939, 1963, 1973, 1983): One of the highest civilian awards in the Soviet Union.
- Order of the October Revolution (1971)
- Order of the Red Banner (1945): For bravery and heroism during World War II.
- Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Degree (1985)
- Order of the Red Banner of Labour (1967, 1988)
- Order of the Red Star (1943): Also for bravery during World War II.
Prizes
- Lenin Prize (1970): For his poetry for young children.
- State Prize of the USSR (1978): For his satirical newsreel "Wick."
- Stalin Prize (1941, 1942, 1950): For his poetry for schoolchildren and film scripts.
Images for kids
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Mikhalkov receiving the Order for Service to the Fatherland 2nd Class from President of Russia Vladimir Putin on 13 March 2003.
See also
In Spanish: Serguéi Mijalkov para niños
