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Akim Tamiroff papers, 1938-1972

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Tamiroff, Akim, 1899-1972.
Title
Akim Tamiroff papers
Dates
1938-1972 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.58 cubic ft. (3 boxes)
Collection Number
08617
Summary
Akim Tamiroff (1899–1972) was an Armenian American actor best known for his work in film and television. This collection contains photographs of Akim Tamiroff’s professional career, photographs of family and friends, correspondence sent to his wife Tamara after his passing in 1972, artwork sent to him by Orson Welles, and article clippings about his career.
Repository
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Languages
English, Russian
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Historical Note

Akim Tamiroff (1899–1972) was an Armenian American actor best known for his work in film and television. Born Akim Mikhailovich Tamiroff on October 29, 1899, in the Russian Empire, he trained for nine years at the Moscow Art Theatre drama school. Fleeing the Russian Revolution, Tamiroff joined Nikita Balieff and other émigrés in Paris at the La Chauve-Souris touring revue, which first brought him to the United States in 1923. After several tours with the revue, he decided to settle permanently in the U.S. in 1927. He began his U.S. career with the Theatre Guild in New York, where he met his wife, Tamara Shayne. Tamiroff transitioned from stage to screen in 1932, appearing in notable films such as The Great McGinty (1940), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943), Ocean’s 11 (1960), and Alphaville (1965). He was also a frequent collaborator with Orson Welles, appearing in films like Mr. Arkadin (1955) and Touch of Evil (1958). Tamiroff became the first Golden Globe winner for Best Supporting Actor in 1944 for his role in For Whom the Bell Tolls. He also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the American film industry. Tamiroff passed away in September 1972 from cancer.

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Content Description

This collection contains photographs of Akim Tamiroff’s professional career, photographs of family and friends, correspondence sent to his wife Tamara after his passing in 1972, artwork sent to him by Orson Welles, and article clippings about his career.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Restrictions on Use

Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in Collections

The American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.

Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event. Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form. For more information, read our full statement.

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

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Administrative Information

Related Materials

There are no known other archival collections created by Akim Tamiroff at the date of processing.

Acquisition Information

This material was recieved from Tamara Tamiroff in 1984.

Processing Note

This collection was processed by Brittany Heye in January 2025.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

    • Description: Articles and Clippings about Akim Tamiroff's portrayals
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box 1
    • Description: Correspondence - Condolences about Akim Tamiroff's Death
      Dates: 1972
      Container: Box 1
    • Description: Film strip (color)
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box 1
    • Description: Negatives - Romeo + Juliet
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box 1
    • Description: Notebooks - Our 24 Lessons with M. Chekhov (Akim, Feodor, Tamara)
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box 1
    • Description: Pen and Ink sketches of Akim by Orson Welles (framed)
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box 3
    • Description: Photographs
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box 1
    • Description: Photographs - Autographed photos for Akim (including one from Walt Disney)
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box 2
    • Description: Photographs - Personal
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box 1
    • Description: Photographs - Photobook - Fedor Ivanovich Shalyapin "Light in Memory"
      Dates: 1938
      Container: Box 2
    • Description: Photographs - Sculptures
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box 1
    • Description: Photographs - Stills/ professional
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box 1-2