XEX MAGBreak out television actor Costa Ronin reprises his role as “Oleg Igorevich Burov,” on FX’s enticing, critically acclaimed drama series THE AMERICANS, which is currently airing it’s 3rdseason on Wednesday nights at 10p/9c.
Interview: Tamar Paoli
How were you first tapped to play Oleg Burov in the Americans?
The first time I saw the billboard for the show, I thought to myself, what a terrific idea. There was nothing like it on television. It’s not just a show where there are the good guys and the bad guys. It’s about people. It’s about relationships and the toll that it takes. So, when the opportunity arose, I was really excited to enter that world. I was at a table read, for another project, when I got the call from my agent saying I got the part. The rest is history… I was originally going in for two episodes, and ended up doing 12 out of 13 episodes of that season, which was a blessing.
Your Character Oleg was introduced last season as the head of Line X and Nina’s love interest, can you tell us new ways he will develop this season?
It wasn’t until mid season that those two gravitated towards each other and allowed themselves to get closer to one another. Given there are only two episodes left in the season, there is not a whole lot I can tell you. But, I remember someone made a comment that those two were like the Romeo and Juliette of the Cold War.
After two seasons of playing Oleg are you finding any parallels between yourself and Oleg?
Absolutely! My sense of style has improved!!
Photo: Bobby Quillard
The Americans has such great actors such as Keri Russell and Richard Thomas, what has been your favorite moment on set so far with your fellow actors?
This show has an amazing ensemble of thinking characters played by thinking actors. I am having an absolute blast with Noah, Lev and Vera this season. I think the greatest feeling, at this stage, is the feeling of artistic trust we have developed. Lev and I, we prank each other all the time… Don’t even get me started on the ‘crack the window’ conversations, which transpire every time we get in the van.
The show takes place at a time where you were just a kid in Russia, did you ask family members about that time in order to prepare for this role and if so who did you ask the most?
I asked everyone who I thought could give me an insight into that world and that time. When creating the character, it was very important for me to figure out his psychology; how and why he thinks the way he does. Ultimately, the way he thinks is what motivates what he says and what he does.
As I was doing my research, I read you studied international Relations and Political Science…does this background draw you to the role of Oleg and the other projects you decide to take on?
My mom and my grandma, they definitely saw me in a more secure and stable environment, going to work, wearing a suit, with a briefcase. I often joke with them when I say: “You see, your dream came true, referring to Oleg. Now I wear a suit and work in International Politics”. Nevermind the fact that it is 30 years in the past… Political science is something that helped me understand the political landscape of the world. It helped me immensely with building the part of Oleg, to make choices on the most organic to him level.
I heard you took your grandmother to the set with you, she saw Lev in his costume, thought that’s how he dressed and asked why don’t you dress like him to work? How would you compare Oleg’s style to Costa’s?
Well, to start, Oleg has style… Jenny Gering did such a tremendous job with giving this worldly postmodern man, with ‘ahead of his time’ thinking, ‘ahead of his time’ style. She is behind Oleg’s sock ties, which are now coming back in fashion. Yes, Oleg is responsible for them! Costa wears what’s comfortable. I love good suits, so I guess both of us take pride in what we wear, but for me, it is a matter of functionality and not to be restricted in what I choose to wear.
What upcoming projects can our viewers expect from you?
“The Midnighters”, a film I did a couple of years ago with Leon Russom and Greg Sims, is really close to being complete, and I am exited about this project coming out. I am also currently filming “The Body Tree”, an international project based on religious mysticism of the Altai Shamans. It is a fascinating story, which I am really excited to be a part of. It’s going to be an exciting year!