In a recent interview, actor Connor Storrie discussed his impressive Russian accent while portraying hockey player Ilya Rozanov in the series Heated Rivalry. Storrie, who hails from Texas and currently resides in Los Angeles, has garnered praise for his ability to convincingly embody his character’s heritage, to the extent that even native Russian speakers have believed he is from Russia.
Storrie explained that mastering the accent required dedication and practice. In an interview with Behind the Blinds, he shared his approach to adopting the accent, stating, “The moment I got out of the car on set, I started speaking with the accent to all the PAs, all the ADs, hair, makeup, and wardrobe people.” He maintained this accent throughout his time on set, believing it served as a useful warm-up rather than merely staying “in character.”
Building Comfort with the Accent
According to Storrie, the process of normalizing the accent made a significant difference in his performance. He remarked, “Accents feel ridiculous at first. You think, ‘I don’t sound like that.’ Of course you don’t. But if you normalize it – both for yourself and for the people around you – it starts to feel real.” This perspective underscores the importance of confidence and familiarity when tackling challenging roles.
Storrie also noted a common barrier many face when attempting accents: the fear of sounding wrong. He emphasized that granting oneself permission to make mistakes is essential for improvement. “I think that’s why people convince themselves they’re bad at accents. They don’t give themselves permission to sound wrong at first,” he added.
Impact on Performance
This commitment to authenticity in his role has not only impressed audiences but has also contributed to the overall quality of the series. As Storrie continues to develop his craft, his experiences highlight the dedication required for actors to convincingly portray characters from diverse backgrounds.
As Heated Rivalry progresses, viewers can expect to see more of Storrie’s nuanced performance, which will undoubtedly reflect the hours of practice and immersion he has devoted to perfecting his accent. His journey serves as an inspiring example for aspiring actors striving to embrace new challenges in their performances.
