“I’m doing well as long as my head hasn’t exploded,” jokes Connor Storrie.
At 25, it’s understandable if he felt overwhelmed. His popular series Heated Rivalry, initially a special project created in a close-knit Canadian environment, has surged to become a viral sensation even before its U.S. debut.
In Heated Rivalry, Storrie plays Ilya Rozanov, a hockey player with Russian roots who begins a complex relationship with his rival, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams), starting at 17. By 18, they are entangled in a years-long sexual relationship, coming of age as professionals. The show is both exciting and contemplative, balancing heat with vulnerability.
Storrie, initially skeptical of the casting fit, had to master hockey and communicate in Russian, as his character frequently speaks the language. Hearing him use his Texas accent is surprising yet impressive. “I’ve always had a passion for languages and accents,” he shares with The Hollywood Reporter. “I’d write monologues, use Google Translate, and memorize them in various languages.”
Storrie discusses his sudden attention from fans, feeling honored by their enthusiasm. “The internet can be harsh, especially Twitter, but the positivity outweighs the negativity. I’m grateful for this supportive response,” he reflects.
He continued discussing his journey, sharing that initial casting seemed unlikely due to the specifics outlined in the breakdown. “The character was described as a tall, native Russian hockey player. I didn’t think I was right for it at all, but I immediately found the book and fan art captivating,” he recalls.
As Storrie prepares for future roles, he acknowledges being relatively new to the industry. He feels fortunate to pursue his dreams while maintaining a grateful mindset towards his experiences and opportunities ahead.
