Updated Feb 20, 2026
Details
Birthday
(Monday)
Died
Nationality
Sport
Chess
Languages
Latvian
Spouse
Sally Tal (1959-1971)
Children
5 children
Education
University of Latvia
Zodiac Sign
♏ Scorpio
Chinese Zodiac
鼠 Rat
Name Origin
English < Hebrew (מיכאל)
Popularity
Tier B -- 31,600 Wikipedia views/month
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Jennifer Holland →
Screen debut
First screen credit at age 36
Year context
Born in 1936 -- Berlin Olympics; Jesse Owens wins four gold medals; Franklin D. Roosevelt was US president
Year 1936 →
Zodiac
Year of the Rat, sign of Scorpio
Filmography (1)
AWARDS (4)
B
Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR
WON
B
Order of Friendship of Peoples
WON
B
Order of the Badge of Honour
WON
B
world chess champion
WON
Biography
Mikhail Tal was a Soviet Latvian chess grandmaster and the eighth World Chess Champion. He is considered a creative genius and is widely regarded as one of the most influential players in chess history. Tal played in an attacking and daring combinatorial style. His play was known above all for improvisation and unpredictability. Vladislav Zubok said of him, "Every game for him was as inimitable and invaluable as a poem".
Connections (1)
Related People
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Mikhail Tal?
Mikhail Tal was born on and passed away on at the age of 55.
Where was Mikhail Tal born?
Mikhail Tal was born in Riga.
What movies or shows has Mikhail Tal been in?
Mikhail Tal has 1 credits in our database. Notable titles include Grandmaster (1973).
Where can I find more information about Mikhail Tal?
You can find more about Mikhail Tal on Wikidata. Their full profile and filmography is available on this page.
