As a native and lifelong resident of St. Petersburg/Leningrad, Gorin-Goryainov considered it his patriotic duty to stay in the city when the German Army began its WWII blockade in September 1941. He helped provide entertainment for Leningrad's soldiers and civilians, often in hospitals or factories. The actor survived the 900-day siege but died less than three months afterwards, his health ruined by the privations he had endured.