Maxim Galkin - Biography

Maxim Galkin (Максим Галкин; b. 18 June 1976 in Moscow) is a Russian comedian, singer and TV host.

He first became famous as an impressionist, and is known for his proficiency at parody and his duets with the famous Russian pop singer Alla Pugacheva.

Galkin was also the host of the Russian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, after it was renamed from O, Schastlivchik (Oh, Lucky Man) and to 2008. He currently hosts the Russian adaptation of The Million Pound Drop.

In his youth, Galkin appeared on KVN, a Russian youth humour competition, which kickstarted his career. Recently, he acted as judge on the program.

Galkin and Pugacheva are hosts of a Russian TV show similar to But Can They Sing?, Dve Zvezdy (Two Stars). Pairs made up of a professional singer and a celebrity compete for the honour of being named Two Stars. Famous alumnae include the singers Zhasmin, Alsou and Nastya Kamenskikh. He had a very classical and strict upbringing. His mother was a teacher, and he finished music and math school, and knows 4 languages, including English and Russian.

Galkin is one of the few comedians currently performing an impression, albeit 'light-hearted', of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, notoriously sensitive to humorous depictions of himself, on Russia's Channel One TV channel."

Links

• Maxim Galkin Profile at IMdb