Aleksandr Chistyakov was born in 1880, he never graduated from high school, he worked as an accountant. From 1921 he studied at the First State Film School (Leo Kuleshov's workshop). Since 1925, he actively acted in films. The first role - a worker in the film "Arsenals" became a characteristic role for the subsequent work of the actor.

He also was the champion of the Russian Empire in hammer throwing. Self-taught, he began to master hammer throwing at the end of the 19th century and in 1912 became the first record holder in Russia. He was a very good cyclist and an able wrestler too.