Questions about Sergey Mikhalkov

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was Sergey Mikhalkov born and where did he grow up?

Sergey Vladimirovich Mikhalkov entered the world on the 27th of August 1913 within a noble family in Moscow. He grew up during a time of immense political upheaval that shaped his future career choices.

What poem made Sergey Mikhalkov famous among Soviet youth?

His poem about Uncle Styopa achieved particular fame among Soviet youth as a character who rescued cats stuck in trees and performed other helpful deeds. The poems remained enduringly popular throughout the Soviet era.

Who commissioned Sergey Mikhalkov to write lyrics for the new national anthem in 1942?

Joseph Stalin himself commissioned him to write lyrics for a new national anthem while World War II raged across Europe. They presented their work to Stalin in the summer of 1943 before it officially became the country's song on the 1st of January 1944.

Why were the original lyrics mentioning Joseph Stalin discarded after 1953?

The lyrics mentioning him by name were discarded during de-Stalinization following Stalin's death in 1953. These revised lyrics did not reach the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet until the 27th of May 1977 when approval came on the 1st of September.

Did Sergey Mikhalkov and his family work for the KGB during the Soviet era?

Mikhalkov and his wife Natalia Konchalovskaya sometimes worked for the KGB and presented undercover officers to foreign diplomats including French ambassador Maurice Dejean who was compromised in the 1950s. His younger brother Mikhail also served as a notable writer and KGB agent.

When did Vladimir Putin adopt the National Anthem of Russia with new lyrics by Sergey Mikhalkov?

The National Anthem of Russia officially adopted on the 30th of December 2000 after Vladimir Putin took office in 2000. Mikhalkov decided to write new lyrics for Alexandrov's score when Putin's push gained momentum while he was eighty-seven years old.