He was born in 1894 in Odessa, Ukraine.

He is the brother of the actress Goldya Dranov and Sarah Kushchinksa.

At the age of fourteen, Y. performed in Fishzon's chorus, and at the age of eighteen he began to act in character roles.

Since the October Revolution he was connected to the Yiddish State Theatre, and with member troupes traveled across southern Russia, as both an actor and manager.

M. E. from Nadya Dranov.