Andrey Nikolaevich Kolmogorov

Kolmogorov was doubtless the most important Russian mathematician of the twentieth century. His work on dynamical systems, homology and cohomology, Markov random processes and probability place him at the front rank of mathematicians of the twentieth century.

In terms of statistics and probability, Kolmogorov's monograph on probability Grundbegriffe der Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung provided an axiomatic foundation for the discipline on the same order as Euclid's Elements provided for geometry. This axiomatic and rigorous approach is today the foundation for the advanced study of probability and random processes.

Kolmogorov began his mathematical studies at the same time as the topologist Pavel Alexandrov, the two first meeting in the summer of 1929. They began a lifelong relationship that lasted over 50 years. As young scholars, they travelled together, each working on their own mathematical problems, visiting the leading mathematicians of the day. Later they purchased a home where they lived together and hosted the leading mathematical minds of the the twentieth century. Kologmogorov said that Alexandrov's kindness was the "greatest source of my happiness" during the fifty-three years of their relationship.

Since homosexuality was criminalized in the the Soviet Union, neither Kolmogorov nor Alexandrov could have openly admitted to a romantic relationship. If there were one, the KGB certainly would have known; had they been open about it they doubtless would have suffered a fate similar to that of Turing or worse. In any case it remains an open question whether or not this relationship was romantic or platonic. While Biology Daily lists the couple among famous gay scientists and they appear on the Wikipedia list of confirmed famous gay and lesbian people, it must be said that there is no conclusive documentary evidence available regarding the sexuality of either man.

What is not in dispute, however, is the stature of Kolmogov's scientific work. He was elected a member of the USSR Academy of Science, the Royal Statistical Society, the National Academy of the US, and the American Statistical Society, to name a few of his honors.

Kolmogorov was an orphan who was raised by his sister. Over most of his life he dedicated considerable energy to providing education to gifted children. He personally assisted with their education in music, literature and the sciences and was content if they entered adulthood with unstifled curiosity and a broad outlook.

Born: 25 April 1903 in Tambov, Tambov province, Russia
Died: 20 Oct 1987 in Moscow, Russia