Vasily I. Kachalov was born on 11 February 1875 in Vilnius in a bishop’s family. In the 1890th, while being a student of the St. Petersburg University, he often took part in the amateur theatre performances.

V. Kachalov came to Kazan in autumn 1897. He was going to continue his studies at law faculty and to perform in Kazan theatres. He had been acting in Kazan for three seasons. At first he played small parts and was not noticed by the audience and critics. However, staying among interesting actors, he mastered performing skills quickly. Kacahlov’s artistic gift was revealed there for the first time. His talent of actor was noticed very soon, and in the end of the season he already played serious roles. His intellect, artistry and professional persistence helped him in acting.

In 1900 V. Kachalov got invitation from the Moscow Arts Theatre. Before his leaving for Moscow, V. Kachalov gave a farewell concert in the Assembly of Nobility for the Kazan audience.

Kazan citizens kept the memory of their favourite actor. The Big Drama Theatre in Kazan is named after the People’s Artist of the USSR V. I. Kachalov. There is a memorial inscription on the façade of the building in Lobachevsky Street, where V. I. Kachalov lived.

V. I. Kachalov died on 30 September 1948.