The real world and the fictional world collided in Russia.

It’s a story line we’re all familiar with - the double used to replace a world leader fools even those who know him best.

Mark Twain used that theme in “The Prince and the Pauper.” Hollywood recycled it in the movie “Dave” starring Kevin Kline.

Rumors circulated in Russia for decades that Joseph Stalin had a “twin” who replaced him during certain situations.

Finally, at the age of 88, Felix Dadaev has come forward with his story as the leader’s stand-in.

With the truth locked away in KGB files, Dadaev feared reprisal if he let his secret be known.

Now his strange tale is being told.

In an age before media dominated, he didn’t have to mimic Stalin’s vocal inflections, just his look and mannerisms. And he pulled it off so well even Stalin’s closest comrades couldn’t spot the imposter.

Fighting during the war, he was so severely injured he was declared dead. He survived and his physical similarities were noted. His family was told of his demise and never knew their loved one was living a different life filling in for Stalin.

It’s an odd story nearly as haunting as these beautifully crafted abandoned Russian homes. Both Dadaev and these houses were at the peak at one time and now a shell of their former selves.

Check out the entire story at Daily Mail.

Tags: history, body doubles, imposters, strange news, Stalin, Russia

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