Anton Chekhov

1860–1904 · Russian (Taganrog/Moscow) · Late Imperial Russia

Known for: Master of the modern short story and revolutionary playwright—The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, Uncle Vanya

Anton Chekhov was a doctor who wrote fiction 'on the side'—though his writing far surpassed his medicine in impact. He grew up in poverty (his grandfather was a serf), supported his family from youth, and gave free medical care to peasants. He was modest, compassionate, and hilariously funny in person.

He reinvented both the short story and drama with his indirect, atmospheric approach—what's not said matters more than what is. The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, and Uncle Vanya are pillars of modern theater. He married actress Olga Knipper but spent much of their marriage apart due to tuberculosis. He died at 44 in a German spa, reportedly asking for champagne as his last act.

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