Pavel Kozlov used his creativity and fighting skills to bring to the professional wrestling stage the phenomenal character Victor Romanoff, the Siberian Fighting Spirit. Now, he is using the same creative sensibilities to bring onto the screen vivid characters as an actor. With a unique ability to transform himself physically and emotionally, Pavel is set to become the next big thing in Hollywood.
Originally from Moscow, Russia, Kozlov grew up in a home that valued academic and creative pursuits. Both of his parents were math professors. It was wholly unexpected that he would want to become a professional wrestler.
There were, of course, tell-tale signs that would have suggested his eventual passion for combat sports and acting later on. Kozlov loved superheroes, action movies, and various martial arts as a child. He saw a WWF show translated into Russian when he was a young teenager. This was how he discovered an avenue that combined the very things he enjoyed: colorful characters, action, and fighting. This became the start of his journey.
Kozlov would have followed his dream regardless of where it took him. He would later on go to America and train to become a pro wrestler. With nothing more than $2000 in his bag and what little English he knew, he left everything in Russia and stepped into the unknown. This was in 2007, in what was supposed to be his final year in University studying journalism. He did not know then when he would see his family again and what awaited him in America.
Pursuing one’s passion is hardly ever easy. This was also the case for Kozlov. Upon arriving in the USA, he found employment washing dishes and cleaning in fast food chains. He trained and worked hard to support himself and develop his wrestling abilities.
Twelve years after Kozlov first left for America, he is now an American citizen, is fluent in English, and an established pro wrestler. Most recently, he has started a career as an actor. After fulfilling his first dream to become a pro wrestler, he worked hard to hone his acting skills. He attends and assists in acting workshops. He also shares with beginning actors all that he has learned personally and professionally. As an actor, he brings into his performances an emotional intensity that he has developed through a lifetime of experiences.
Kozlov is proud that he never gave up on his dream. Even when the voices in his head told him to give up and do something else, he refused to turn back on his journey. He has come a long way from creating his first major role — the wrestler Victor Romanoff.
Kozlov continues to use the talents he has worked hard to hone and his fighting spirit to perform roles that are undeniably intense and captivating to his audiences. He is not only living his dream, he is also inspiring others to do the same.
Read more details about Kozlov and be inspired by his life story by visiting his website. You can also follow his activities on Instagram.
