Sergey Gorobchenko – Moscow’s Leading Man Aspires to Come to a Theater Near You, Right Here in America!

Sergey Gorobchenko – Moscow’s Leading Man Aspires to Come to a Theater Near You, Right Here in America!

Some people are just bi-coastal, but Sergey Gorobchenko lives on two continents. Originally from Moscow, Sergey has created a name for himself and has become a talented leading man. He has starred in several films in Moscow, including the remake of Dr. Zhivago, Boomer, The Shoemaker, Lift, and Moscow Heat. Sergey’s range as an actor is impressive. But he is not content to just entertain in Russia. His ambition is more far-reaching than that. He recently arrived in America, studied English at a college in New York, and decided to engage in film here in the United States. He met with filmmakers here who shared his vision to create films that would be about Moscow and Russian culture and the connection with Americans and American culture.

Sergey admitted that even as a child up through secondary school, he could sing and play the piano, and he involved himself in musicals. At the time, Russia was going through a rough period, and just like for several other people, it was an extremely difficult time for him during that transition. But through it all, Sergey always felt comfortable being on stage.

Is it difficult to become an actor in Moscow?

No, not really. If this is something that’s in your heart, don’t think about how many people are involved in this industry and how many actors are around you. Just be yourself.

Here in America, when someone is pursuing an acting career, they hear comments like, “You should just get a regular job. It’s going to be so hard.” Do you hear those types of comments in Russia?

Many people ask me how can I work twelve hours a day. But of course if you don’t like the job, it is hard. Many of my friends wanted to come watch a taping once, just out of curiosity. They watch the final product on TV. They think it is glamorous. But when they watched me on stage, they couldn’t stay for very long. It was nothing they expected.

Tell me about your education and training.

I studied in the Theater Academy of Theater and Arts in St. Petersburg. I grew up during Communism in USSR.

So you saw the actual shift in USSR?

I know the difference. I was fifteen when everything changed.

Has it changed for the better?

Yes, it’s much better. There is freedom and fresh air of something new. Moscow has become very rich and opportunity-filled in a very short time. There are many theaters and production companies in Russia. This was one of the main problems before with Communism.

What happened when you finished your education?

When I finished my education, I worked in theaters in St. Petersburg. After I appeared in several theater productions, I was asked to be involved in movies, and my movie career started. It’s a very respectful thing for me because people love movies today. And it’s getting more and more popular in Russia. In 2003 I went to New York and studied English in Manhattan College for seven months. Since I am an actor, why can’t I also play in some American movies? But I understand sometimes you have to put your desires on hold. Well, it happened. Director Jeff Celentano (Moscow Heat) came to Russia. He invited me to play opposite Michael York. I was happy because I had just finished my education in New York, and some movies had just come out in Russia and become famous.

Did you encounter any obstacles in your efforts to come out here?

I have some experience of life. I did go through some difficult things, but I managed it. I have to take everything into account; each minute and every day counts. Tomorrow doesn’t exist.

What kind of roles do you prefer to play?

All projects I have played seemed to come right on time. [I like the roles I play when I am playing them.]

Do you prefer more drama, or do you like comedies?

I have played comedies, dramas, family-oriented, tough gang movies, I pull from a lot of my own life experiences. I like them all.

Do you have a place here in America as well as in Moscow?

Yes, I have a place in America. I was out here six times this year. I mostly work in Moscow, but I can come out here if there is work for me here.

Do you have an L.A. agent?

I am very lucky. I have a good agent. Her name is Natalie Chase. She’s great.

Where do you see Sergey in five years?

I don’t really know, but sometimes I feel that dreams about the future can direct us. We have to dream. We have to work hard. If we are correct, things will happen the right way.

You mentioned there are people who are doing a Russian project here in America. What is the status of that project?

We are writing the script. I am helping with a lot of the ideas.

Are you like a producer?

Yes, I have the connection with Russia, because Russia is still closed. People in Russia can trust me.

So you can bridge the gap between Russia and America.

This is my bridge. I am not bridging between countries. I am not a president….

(Interrupts) But cinema reaches millions.

I think movies rule all over the world. Yes, it’s very important.

What are the politics involved in creating a film in Russia as opposed to creating one here in America? Have you experienced both?

America is more developed; it’s more advanced. Russia today…trying to be independent and free…it’s very new. It’s not easy to change things overnight, but Russian people are very strong.

There are so many independent filmmakers, guerrilla-style, shooting movies. Some are actually getting Oscars. And they don’t have to be tied to a really big studio. OThey can shoot wherever they want. They can shoot in Canada, Mexico, New York, L.A. In Moscow, are the rules very rigid when shooting a film? Can anyone just shoot a movie?

You can if you understand the rules. Russian people are very strong, and they want to be independent. And Russia is a very big territory. These are my roots. I cannot change them. I just want to be international. I’d like to be in connection with any country, but I have to know cultural differences and learn the languages.

Any last words?

Don’t worry about nationality because we are all the same. Sometimes we have to forget the bad and just turn the page.

To find out more about Sergey Gorobchenko’s latest movies, visithttp://www.imdb.com/name/nm1330495/.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples