Zhzhyonov was born in Petrograd, now St. Petersburg, on March 22, 1915. He began his career as a circus acrobat in 1931 and debuted in the movies a year later, after catching the eye of film director Eduard Ioganson, who offered to the young man a part in the silent feature The Hero's Mistake.
Zhzhyonov then appeared in several other films before being sent to the Gulags on false espionage charges in 1938.
After more than a decade in custody, the actor made a fresh start and was cast in minor roles.
In 1968, he finally rose to national stardom by playing the lead part in Veniamin Dorman's spy movie The Resident Mole's Mistake and later went on to appear in its three sequels.
Zhzhyonov appeared in about 70 films and is especially renowned for portraying strong-willed, heroic types.
The actor extensively worked on stage, as well. He joined Moscow's Mossoviet Theater in the late '60s and remained loyal with the company throughout his career.
President Vladimir Putin has sent his condolences to the actor's family, the Kremlin press service said.
