Alex Sparrow

Alex Sparrow

Words by MARISSA JOHNSON

Photos by CATHERINE POWELL

Alex Sparrow is already one of Russia’s biggest names and now he’s taking America by storm as one of the stars of Lifetime’s UnREAL. Stepping into the spotlight at only 15 years old, Alex began his career on Russia’s X Factor and established himself as a superstar, going on to make hit records and write soundtracks for major Russian films. With a viral video for his single “She’s Crazy But She’s Mine” and plenty of accolades under his belt, Alex is now coming to American film and television, and even releasing an English album. Alex currently plays the resident bad boy on UnREAL, a talented dancer named Alexi who is competing for Serena’s (Caitlin FitzGerald) heart on Everlasting and providing plenty of drama and surprises throughout the season. After overcoming a stroke at 25 Alex is stronger than ever and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon, with more movies and music to be released in the near future.

Growing up in Russia, did you always know that you wanted to be a performer? When did you start to make singing/dancing a career?

I grew up in a family which had more kids than money, but since I was 6 I started to learn how to play the accordion, and at one point my father decided to sell his car, which was one of the major sources for feeding our family, in order to be able to buy me an instrument so I could go as a kid to professional music contests. So, I started to perform on stage as a musician very early, but I had another passion which was soccer. At the same time, I played in the local junior team, and when I was 15 and just before one of the international accordion contests, I injured my finger at the soccer game and realized I had to choose between being a musician or a [soccer] player. I chose music and never regretted it as it gives me an incredible chance for creativity and energy exchange with the audience when you are coming on stage. There is nothing on earth which makes me feel more happy and complete than this.

What was your experience on Russian TV like?

When I came to X Factor, I was 15 and already had won numerous music and singing competitions, but it was the first time I was on TV and exposed to the cameras. So that was the moment I understood for the first time what it meant to be an artist who is recognized on the street and be the one who is watched with expectations and interest with what he will do next. That was the beginning for me. And 10 years later, at Dancing and Skating With the Stars I was already an artist who had expectations and a star status. I perceived everything around me completely differently, but still worked without sleep and was wanting to win, because it’s in my DNA.

After finding so much success in Russia, was it a natural transition to move over to American entertainment?

If you dream, it should be a real big dream. For a guy who grew up in a big family where there were lots of children and love but very little money, I have already achieved a lot and my life is already like a dream. For a guy who survived a major stroke at 25 and could not talk and move, and now is a part of a great American TV project and writing music that is becoming popular on different continents, my life is already like a dream. Returning to your question, whatever I have achieved I was right away putting my goal to the next step higher. So, I was ready to move on and get to the new level. And as soon as I was cast for UnREAL, I knew immediately that this is what I needed in order to develop and move forward, as an actor, because the character that I was lucky enough to portray in UnREAL is an example of exactly what the profession of an actor is for and why this profession requires such self-giving and immersion.

How did you end up auditioning for UnREAL?

You will not believe me, but it was the first part in my life that I got without anyone meeting me in person. I sent my self-tape and was invited to L.A. for the casting appointment. But I was in the middle of shooting in a European project as a lead, so I could not go. I knew that there were hundreds of competitors for this role, and was sure that as I couldn’t come there was no chance. And I was greatly surprised to get the contract as an answer. That was really amazing. So I was blessed to have a chance to work on this great project, and it was an amazing experience for me.

Alexi is one of the most difficult characters I’ve ever portrayed in my life, and it’s one of a few I ever played who has nothing from me personally. Nearly none of the things he does, I have done or have ever experienced in my life, so it was very interesting for me as an actor, and hard not only morally but also physically. For the scene in the theater I rehearsed ballet dance on my own for two months and lifted huge dumbbells in between shootings to be able to lift the ballerina on one hand and repeat it for another 350 takes if needed.

What can we expect from Alexi this season?

My Alexi is the most unpredictable character of this season. He’s an explosive and even dangerous guy, charming and full of vices, so he will surprise you a lot this season, as much as he was surprising me! His heart is broken by a woman whom he still loves, and can not let go. But first of all, he is an artist of insane talent and passion, a man with an incredible inner drama, in the final stage of self-destruction.

What else are you working on this year?

This year I am planning to shoot my first feature film based on my own script, hopefully - with one of my favorite Hollywood actors as a lead. And after that I will sit down with my computer and write music for this film. I am blessed to do only do what I love, and to have my passion to be my job. And, talking about music, I [will be] releasing my English album I wrote in collaboration with RedOne.