The British actor known for his role as Alexei in Stranger Things made his debut in season 3, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Apart from that, he has appeared in popular shows like Power Monkeys and The Wrong Mans, showcasing his versatility. On the big screen, he has been part of major films such as The Tourist, San Andreas, and Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, which further solidified his presence in the entertainment industry.
Before rising to fame, this talented individual pursued his passion for acting by attending the prestigious Drama Centre London. He successfully completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, eventually graduating in 2010. His journey began under the name Oleg Vladimirovich Utgof, and he was born in Kiev, which was then part of the Ukrainian SSR in the Soviet Union. His parents, Roza and Vladimir, are accomplished in their own right—Roza is a musical conductor while Vladimir is a heart surgeon.
He also has a brother named Alan, who chose a different career path and became a financier. Despite coming from a family of accomplished professionals, he carved out his own identity in the world of acting, eventually becoming a well-known figure in British and international entertainment circles.
Well, you know, things took a really difficult turn for his family when the whole “goneniya” began under the Bolsheviks. I mean, it wasn’t easy, but eventually, his parents had no choice—they were forced to change their name just to survive. It’s kind of heartbreaking when you think about it, especially how much pressure they must have been under. His parents did what they could to protect themselves and their identity, but in the end, changing the name was unavoidable. And honestly, that moment probably shaped a lot about his understanding of heritage and resilience later on.