About
Soviet diplomat and politician known for being head of the KGB for many years and becoming the leader of the Soviet Union in 1982 until his death in 1984.
Before Fame
He was appointed as Soviet ambassador to Hungary in 1954. He helped quell the Hungarian Uprising, which gave him a positive reputation in the Soviet Party. He was appointed chairman of the KGB in 1967.
Trivia
He is best remembered for his anti-alcohol campaign and for his hard stance against corruption.
Family Life
He was born and raised in southern Russia. He was in a middle-class family but was orphaned at a young age. He was married twice and had two children. He died of kidney failure on February 9, 1984.
Associated With
He was still head of the KGB when Vladimir Putin joined the organization. He was succeeded by Konstantin Chernenko.
