Our exclusive interview with talented Andrey Ivchenko who will be seen in xXx: Return of Xander Cage film alongside Vin Diesel, which is set to release in theaters January 20, 2017.
His previous credits include the TV series “Transporter: The Series”, “Warehouse 13”, “The Firm”, “Nikita”, “Falling Skies”, “Jane The Virgin”, and the film Freezer alongside Peter Facinelli and Dylan McDermott.
Born in the heart of Ukraine, Andrey joined the U.S.S.R military at the age of 18 and served for 2 years. After he finished his services, he attended college and received a Masters Degree in Kinesiology. He moved to Toronto, Canada and signed with an agent and began landing acting/stunt roles on multiple television shows. After some great success in Canada, he decided to make a move to LA.
Hi Andrey, please tell us a little about you?
I was born and raised in Ukraine, served in the Soviet Army when I turned 18 and then attended the University. Soon after, I left and moved to Europe and traveled all over. I later moved to Canada and became a Canadian citizen. And now for the past 4 years, I have lived here in the US.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative. Survivor. Driven
So how did it all begin?
I came from a creative arts family and was inspired from a young age. In school, I participated in local theater. I always dreamed of pursuing acting but didn’t have the opportunities until I moved to Toronto where I signed up with a background agency. After that I pursued stunts and shortly after, got myself into acting. I knew after achieving certain success in Canada, moving to Los Angeles would be the next step to pursuing an acting career.
Any other family member is in the business?
No, just me.
What inspired you to become an actor?
Since I was a kid I was fascinated by movies and how actors transformed themselves into different characters. It was like a completely different magical world to me and I certainly wanted to be a part of it.
What is the best part of acting?
Being able to play a wide range of character roles and the process of working and developing those characters from the beginning until the final moment when I step on set to perform.
What roles do you like to play? And why?
I like to play a wide range of characters, especially roles that people wouldn’t normally expect to see me in. I love action and tend to play a lot of those roles, but recently I had a great experience with comedy and would love to explore that more as well!
Who is your favorite actor/actress?
Its hard to answer this question with only one name. There are several actors/actresses that I admire and would love to work with. For example, Denzel Washington, Robert DeNiro, Glenn Close, etc.
Best advice ever given?
Be patient and you will be rewarded.
Now tell us about XXX: Return of Xander Cage? And your character Red Erik?
Working on xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage was a terrific experience! Everyone from the cast to the crew were so professional and great to work with. The role of Red Erik was really fun to develop. Vin and I worked on developing the role further on set and had a lot of fun with it. Red Erik is a Russian secret spy who is after a secret weapon called Pandora’s Box.
How was working with Vin Diesel?
Vin is a very creative person and a great human being! He creates a special atmosphere on set where everybody feels like they are making something outstanding and working as a big family
How did you got to work on it?
I did an audition on tape for casting in Canada and they called me back to come in and read with the director DJ Caruso. We hit it off in the room and I booked the part.
What other project you have been part of?
I was a lead in Achor Bay’s movie “Freezer” with Dylan McDermott and I have worked on several TV shows such as “Nikita,” “Transporter,” “Warehouse 13,” “Falling Skies,” “XIII,” and “Jane The Virgin.”
How do you stay fit?
I workout in the gym and I try to eat pretty healthy.
What keeps you motivated to keep training hard and eating right?
I have been training since I was 13. I wanted to change myself and now its a lifestyle that is part of my day to day life. Also, staying fit plays a significant part in the roles I’m cast for in my acting career.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Filet Mignon
And your favorite cheat food?
Cheesecake
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My keys, my wallet, & my cell phone.
Any other exiting news you want to share with us?
I’m working on developing two projects right now. Its a process but I hope it gets to the point where we start filming soon!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself as a constantly working actor on both TV and film.
What kind of music do you listen normally?
Rock
How’s a normal day in your life?
There is no such thing as a normal day in my life. Everyday is different and filled with different events and auditions, meetings, and other things that pop up daily.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I recently supported St Judes Childrens hospital to help raise money for sick kids. I am also passionate about charities that support anything involving anti-bullying.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Being able to set a little time aside for myself. I love nature hikes and being outdoors.
Where we can follow you?
Facebook: Andrey Ivchenko
Twitter: @andreyivchenko
Instagram: @theandreyivchenko
Quote: “You don’t need luck if you’re good.”
Book: “Ivanhoe” by Walter Scott
Movie: Braveheart
Drink: Diet Coke
Food: Burger
Tv Series: Game Of Thrones
Sports Team: Don’t have any favorites
Travel destination: Europe
Photo Credit: John Hong
