Maruthur Gopala Ramachandran (January 17, 1917-December 24, 1987) popularly known as MGR, Puracthi Nadigar, Ponmana Chemmal and Puratchi Thalaivar. He was a long time Tamil film actor and Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death.

     He was born at Nawalapitiya near Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Maruthur Gopalamenon and Satyabhama. After his father's death, MGR settled with his family at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. He could not pursue his studies beyond the primary stage due to poverty and hence joined a drama troupe. He became an actor, with a huge mass appeal. He was also a very good director and producer, and was also known to be an expert movie editor. He was married to Janaki Ramachandran in 1949 and did not have any children.

     His film debut was in 1936, in the film Sati Leelavathi. His movies were the medium of communication for the Dravidian movement. His star power did not diminish even after he was shot by fellow actor M.R.Radha, affecting his ability to speak clearly. He won the national award in the best actor category for the film Rickshakaran.

     In 1953, MGR joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. He became a member of the state Legislative Council in 1962. He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 1967. In 1972 MGR was expelled from the party and then he floated a new party named Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK) which was later renamed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

     He became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1977, and remained in office till his death in 1987. He was the first film actor to be a Chief Minister in India.

     He was the founder and editor of THAI weekly magazine and ANNA daily newspaper in tamil. He was the owner of Sathya Studios and Emgeeyar Pictures which produced many of the films he acted in.

     One of MGR's most successful policies was the re-introduction of the "Mid-day meals" in the Government-run and aided schools in Tamil Nadu.

     MGR died December 24, 1987 after his prolonged illness. He was posthumously awarded the "Bharat Ratna" by the Government of India.