Connor Storrie, a 25-year-old actor, has garnered attention for his impressive Russian accent in the series Heated Rivalry, where he portrays the character Ilya Rozanov, a Russian hockey player. His dedication to mastering the accent has led many, including native Russian speakers, to believe he is genuinely from Russia, despite his origins in Texas and his current residence in Los Angeles.
In a recent interview with Behind the Blinds, Storrie discussed his approach to perfecting the Russian accent. He revealed that he committed to speaking in the accent throughout his time on set. “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 shared. Storrie maintained this practice until the last cut of the day, not only to stay in character but also as a way to warm up his vocal skills.
Storrie elaborated on the challenges of adopting a new accent, explaining that initial attempts often feel unnatural. “Accents feel ridiculous at first. You think, ‘I don’t sound like that.’ Of course you don’t,” he noted. His strategy involved normalizing the accent for both himself and those around him, which he believes is essential for convincing oneself of its authenticity.
The actor emphasized that many people struggle with accents because they do not allow themselves the freedom to sound incorrect initially. “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.
Storrie’s commitment to his craft and his insights into the process of accent acquisition highlight the dedication required to bring authenticity to a character. His experiences serve as an inspiration for aspiring actors looking to enhance their own skills in portraying diverse roles. As audiences tune in to Heated Rivalry, Storrie’s performance is sure to captivate and resonate, showcasing his talent and hard work in the world of entertainment.
