Studied for numerous years at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, Los Angeles.
Speaks Russian fluently.
Lived his early childhood in Kiev, Ukraine, only 150 km from Chernobyl. Spent the summer of 1986 in St. Petersburg with his family, trying to avoid the radiation.
Grew up in Los Angeles, by way of a short stop in Cleveland, Ohio.
Discovered by the late and great hall of fame manager Mimi Webber, who represented him until her passing in 2007.