Konstantin Shayne

Konstantin Shayne, originally named Konstantin Veniaminovich Olkenitski, was a remarkable Russian-American actor known for his contributions to the film industry between 1938 to 1965. Born on November 29, 1888 in Kharkov within the Russian Empire, modern day Kharkiv, Ukraine, Shayne hailed from a family of artistic lineage, his father being a Jewish actor and his siblings including an actress and writers. His career aspirations were initially interrupted by world war, during which he fought with General Wrangel and the White Armies. Shayne relocated to the United States in 1928. He boarded the S/S Berengaria ship and arrived at the Port of New York on September 14, 1928 under the alias Konstantin Schein. His notable performance includes movies like None but the Lonely Heart (1944) and The Stranger (1946), the latter being directed by Orson Welles. Other notable works include The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947) starring Danny Kaye and a two-minute appearance in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo (1958). Throughout his performance in Hollywood, he left an indelible mark on viewers and critics alike.