Andrew Divoff
Andrew Daniel Divoff (born July 2, 1955) is a Venezuelan-born American actor, producer, stuntman, and brewer of Russian and Irish descent, renowned for his frequent portrayals of menacing villains in film and television, including the evil Djinn in the Wishmaster series (1997–1999) and the Other known as Mikhail Bakunin in Lost (2005–2009).[1][2][3] Born in San Tomé, Anzoátegui, Venezuela, to a Russian father who worked as a wildcatter for Exxon and an American mother of Irish and German ancestry born in Maracaibo, Divoff spent his early childhood in Caracas before his parents' divorce at age 10 prompted a move with his mother and sister to Northern California.[1][4] His father later retired to Malibu, where Divoff assisted during his college years.[4] He attended the University of Barcelona before transferring to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., to study languages, ultimately becoming fluent in eight: English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Catalan, Portuguese, and Russian.[5][4] This linguistic versatility has informed his career, enabling authentic performances across diverse ethnic roles from Russian mercenaries to Latin American gang leaders.[3][2] Divoff began his acting career in 1986 with a guest appearance as a Russian guard on the television series Misfits of Science, followed by roles on series such as The A-Team and MacGyver, transitioning from a job as a limousine dispatcher in Beverly Hills where he interacted with celebrities like Michael Caine.[3][4] His film breakthrough came in the late 1980s and early 1990s with antagonistic roles including Cherry Ganz in Another 48 Hrs. (1990), Luis Cali in Toy Soldiers (1991), and Ernesto Mendoza in A Low Down Dirty Shame (1994), solidifying his typecasting as a formidable heavy.[3][2] The 1997 release of Wishmaster, where he played the shape-shifting Djinn, marked a career highlight, followed by reprisals in the sequel and supporting parts in blockbusters like Air Force One as Boris Bazylev.[3] Over four decades, he has amassed over 100 credits, including recent horror outings in Camp Pleasant Lake (2024) and The Final Frame (2025), while also founding Three Marm Brewing Company in 2013, where he crafts beers inspired by his roles, such as Djinn's Hellabrew.[5][6]Early life and education
Upbringing and family background
Andrew Divoff was born on July 2, 1955, in San Tomé, Anzoátegui, Venezuela. He spent his early childhood in Caracas. His father was a Russian who worked as a wildcatter in the oil industry and his mother was an American of Irish and German ancestry who was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela.[7][4][1] His father's profession involved exploratory drilling for oil, which contributed to the family's transient lifestyle and exposure to multicultural environments during Divoff's early years in Venezuela.[4] Divoff's parents divorced when he was 10 years old, after which he moved with his mother and sister to Northern California.[4] His mother, employed by the U.S. State Department, later facilitated a family relocation to Spain in 1973, where they settled in Vilassar de Mar, Catalonia, remaining there until 1977.[7][4] This period immersed Divoff in a new cultural setting, building on the diverse influences from his Venezuelan upbringing. The family's multilingual dynamics played a key role in his development, with his father's Russian heritage encouraging early exposure to multiple languages, while his mother's diplomatic career supported adaptations to international moves and environments.[4] During his time in Spain, Divoff attended local schools and gained proficiency in Spanish, Catalan, and Portuguese, reflecting the household's emphasis on linguistic versatility.[7][4]Relocation and early influences
At the age of ten, following his parents' divorce, Andrew Divoff emigrated from Venezuela with his mother and sister to northern California, where his mother worked as a translator for the U.S. State Department.[4] This relocation marked a significant shift, immersing him in American culture amid the challenges of immigration, including adapting to a new environment and overcoming language barriers as his first language was Spanish.[1] He faced initial stigmatization due to his accent upon arrival, which led to being held back a grade in school, but this experience fueled his determination to master English fluently and sparked a broader passion for languages.[8] During his teenage years from 1973 to 1977, Divoff lived in Vilassar de Mar, Catalonia, Spain, as part of his mother's State Department posting, an experience that deepened his multicultural heritage rooted in his Venezuelan upbringing, Russian father, and Irish-descended mother.[4] This period abroad broadened his international perspectives, exposing him to diverse cultures and enhancing his linguistic abilities; he learned Catalan alongside other languages like French and German, eventually becoming fluent in eight tongues including English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian.[7] The immersion in Spain's vibrant society contributed to his adaptability and global outlook, shaping his identity as a polyglot with a keen interest in cross-cultural communication.[8] These formative relocations fostered early hobbies that hinted at his future in performing arts, as Divoff began enjoying performances at high school parties, where he discovered a talent for captivating audiences despite his ongoing cultural adjustments.[8] The challenges of frequent moves and linguistic hurdles ultimately built his resilience, turning potential obstacles into strengths that influenced his personal development before pursuing more structured paths.Formal education
Divoff pursued his formal education in languages, beginning at the University of Barcelona in Spain, where he studied linguistics and taught Spanish to English-speaking students. He later transferred his credits to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in the late 1970s, majoring in linguistics and international relations.[4][9] His academic focus on linguistics contributed to his proficiency in eight languages—English, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, French, Italian, German, and Russian—which he acquired through a combination of formal coursework and self-directed study.[2] Early relocations during childhood, including moves across Venezuela and the United States, laid the foundational exposure to multilingual environments that complemented his university training.[8] Following his time at Georgetown, Divoff did not complete his degree, opting instead for a year off to assist his family, after which he engaged in travels across Europe that further honed his language skills through immersion and informal study.[4] These experiences, particularly in Spain and surrounding regions, reinforced his linguistic expertise and influenced his later career pursuits.[10]Acting career
Debut and early roles
Andrew Divoff entered the acting industry in 1983 with a minor uncredited role as a crew member in the independent drama Strangers Kiss, marking his screen debut after relocating to Los Angeles and working odd jobs including as a limousine driver.[11] His first credited television appearance came in 1986, portraying a Russian guard in the sci-fi series Misfits of Science, a role he secured partly due to his fluency in Russian from his heritage. That same year, he made his feature film debut as Doc, one of the neon maniacs, in the low-budget horror film Neon Maniacs, where he also performed his own stunts amid the film's chaotic action sequences. Throughout the late 1980s, Divoff built experience through bit parts and guest spots on popular television shows, including a Russian guard in the 1987 episode "Soft Touch" of MacGyver, as well as appearances in The A-Team (1986) and Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1987).[12] These early roles often cast him as authoritative or antagonistic figures, leveraging his imposing presence and linguistic versatility—stemming from his studies in languages at Georgetown University—to deliver authentic accents without additional training.[7] He continued performing stunts himself in these projects, a practice that became a hallmark of his career despite not being a professional stuntman.[8] By the early 1990s, Divoff transitioned to more prominent supporting roles in action films, frequently as henchmen or foreign operatives. In 1990, he appeared as the Soviet Foxtrot weapons officer Andrei Amalric in the thriller The Hunt for Red October, and as the tough convict Cherry Ganz, a key antagonist's enforcer, in Another 48 Hrs.[13][14] The following year, he played Robert "Bobby" Kane in the heist action film The Taking of Beverly Hills, further establishing his niche in high-stakes villainous parts.[15] As a multilingual actor fluent in eight languages including Spanish, Russian, and English, Divoff's skills opened doors to international co-productions and diverse character work, though his specialization in menacing supporting roles led to early typecasting as ethnic villains in Hollywood action cinema.[7][10]Breakthrough films and television
Andrew Divoff's breakthrough came with his portrayal of the malevolent Djinn in the 1997 horror film Wishmaster, directed by Robert Kurtzman, where he embodied a wish-granting demon with a penchant for gruesome twists on desires. This role, blending supernatural menace with sly charisma, showcased Divoff's ability to infuse villains with a psychotic intensity, earning him recognition as a horror staple through the character's iconic red-eyed glare and creative kill scenes.[16] The film's cult status, bolstered by cameos from genre legends like Tony Todd and Robert Englund, amplified Divoff's presence, establishing his archetype of the cunning, otherworldly antagonist. He reprised the Djinn in Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies (1999), further solidifying his horror legacy by escalating the entity's sadistic humor and physical transformations, which critics noted for their unhinged energy amid the direct-to-video sequel's modest production. Divoff's commitment to practical effects and voice modulation in these films highlighted his stunt background, allowing seamless shifts from human guise to monstrous form.[17] The franchise's impact endures in fan conventions and homages, with Divoff's Djinn often cited as a standout '90s horror villain for its blend of dark fantasy and gore. In mainstream cinema, Divoff gained wider visibility as Boris Bazylev, a ruthless terrorist henchman in Wolfgang Petersen's Air Force One (1997), where he engaged in intense action sequences alongside Gary Oldman's lead villain during the plane hijacking thriller. His performance as the cold, efficient operative contributed to the film's box-office success, grossing over $315 million worldwide and cementing Divoff's reputation for portraying Eastern European threats with physicality and menace. These roles evolved his villain type from supernatural to geopolitical, emphasizing tactical brutality over overt monstrosity. On television, Divoff's recurring role as Mikhail Bakunin, the enigmatic one-eyed member of the Others, spanned multiple seasons of Lost from 2005 to 2009, appearing in key episodes like "Enter 77" and the season 3 finale, where his survivalist edge and ambiguous loyalties heightened the island's mysteries. Critics praised his portrayal for injecting quiet menace into the ensemble, with Bakunin's resilience—surviving explosions and interrogations—becoming a fan-favorite trait that underscored Divoff's skill in subtle threat-building.[18] He later played the assassin Karakurt in six episodes of The Blacklist season 3 (2015–2016), a shadowy operative tied to international conspiracies, further showcasing his archetype of the elusive, multilingual operative. Guest appearances included a Russian captain in JAG season 7's "Defending His Honor" (2002), where he delivered a tense naval standoff, reinforcing his versatility in procedural dramas. Into the 2020s, Divoff continued embodying villains in horror, starring in the slasher Camp Pleasant Lake (2024), a throwback to '80s camp terror that reunited him with genre icons like Bonnie Aarons amid a mystery of past murders.[19] His role amplified the film's eerie atmosphere, drawing on his established horror credentials for promotional buzz.[20] Upcoming is The Dead Rose (2026), where he plays Kandle in a crime drama exploring faith and corruption, alongside Eric Roberts.[21] Divoff promotes these works at conventions, including Comic Con Midlands in Telford, UK (September 2025), and EverHaunt in Angola, NY (October 2025), engaging fans on his villainous legacy through panels and signings.[22][23] Over decades, Divoff's villain archetype has evolved from explosive henchmen in action blockbusters to psychologically layered antagonists in horror and TV, often leveraging his multicultural background for authentic menace in roles as terrorists, assassins, and demons.[10] Critical reception highlights his physical commitment and vocal range, with outlets like Bloody Disgusting lauding his Djinn as an "unsung" icon for elevating schlock to memorable terror, while his TV turns are noted for adding gravitas to ensemble narratives.[16] This consistency has sustained his career, making him a go-to for high-stakes adversaries across genres.[24]Video game voice work and later roles
Divoff entered the realm of video game voice acting in the late 2000s, providing the voice for General Nicolai Krukov, a brutish Soviet commander in the real-time strategy game Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 (2008).[25] His performance brought a menacing intensity to the character, aligning with his established typecasting as villains from earlier live-action work. Divoff's most prominent video game role came as Colonel Lev Kravchenko, a recurring antagonist in the Call of Duty: Black Ops series, debuting in Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010). Kravchenko, a high-ranking Soviet officer involved in Cold War-era conspiracies, appeared across multiple titles, including Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012) and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020), with Divoff reprising the role each time.[26] This consistency helped solidify his presence in one of gaming's largest franchises, expanding his fanbase among gamers who appreciated his gravelly, authentic Russian accent derived from his fluency in the language. He also voiced Mikhail Bakunin, the enigmatic Russian operative from the TV series Lost, in the adventure game Lost: Via Domus (2008).[27] In these roles, Divoff employed voice acting techniques that emphasized vocal modulation and accent precision, drawing on his ability to speak eight languages—including Russian, English, Spanish, and French—to deliver nuanced performances suitable for global audiences.[7] His multilingual skills enhanced the authenticity of characters like Kravchenko, contributing to the immersive narrative depth in military shooters and broadening appeal in international markets.[28] This work has had a lasting impact on gaming culture, with fans citing his Kravchenko as a memorable foil in discussions of the Black Ops storyline's historical fiction elements.[29] Post-2010, Divoff diversified into independent films, often embracing antagonist or supporting roles in action and horror genres. Notable appearances include its sequel Bad Ass 2: Bad Asses (2014) as the drug lord Mantillo, showcasing his continued affinity for tough, villainous characters in low-budget action fare. In horror, he starred as Jasper Grant in Demons (2017), a supernatural thriller about demonic possession, and as Samuel Sears in The Hatred (2017), further demonstrating his versatility in indie productions, and in the found footage horror The Final Frame (2025). These roles marked a shift toward smaller-scale projects, allowing Divoff to explore character-driven narratives away from mainstream blockbusters while maintaining his signature intensity.[18]Business and philanthropy
Entrepreneurial ventures
In addition to his acting career, Andrew Divoff has engaged in several entrepreneurial pursuits, particularly in the beverage and sustainable resource sectors. In 2016, he founded Three Marm Brewing Company, a microbrewery based in Crestline, California, emphasizing craft beers produced through hands-on, small-batch methods.[30] The brewery's signature offering, Djinn's Hellabrew, a robust ale, drew inspiration from Divoff's iconic role as the Djinn in the Wishmaster film series, reflecting his interest in blending personal creative elements with business innovation.[31] Operations continued until August 31, 2023, when the brewery permanently closed amid ongoing challenges in the craft beer industry.[32][33] Divoff also established Verdant Resource, Inc., a flexible purpose corporation dedicated to the sustainable location, retrieval, and provision of natural resources, with a focus on water management solutions.[7] Complementing this, Divoff serves as a partner in Alpine Village Water Company, LLC, a private utility providing water services to the mountain community of Pinyon, California, underscoring his commitment to practical environmental resource operations.[7] These ventures highlight Divoff's shift toward business endeavors that align with his long-standing passion for ecological sustainability, distinct from his on-screen work.[34]Charitable contributions
Andrew Divoff has supported Smile Train, an international charity providing cleft palate surgeries to children, through proceeds from his craft beer sales and convention events. His involvement began around 2007, following a personal health experience that prompted him to donate to the organization, and he has continued promoting it via "Djinn's Hellabrew" pours at gatherings like the 2014 Rock and Shock convention in Worcester, Massachusetts, where beer tastings helped raise $1,400 collectively for Smile Train and related causes.[35][4] Divoff has also contributed to veterans' support via Operation Provider, including direct donations from merchandise sales at events such as the 2018 NJ Horror Con, where all proceeds from $40 T-shirt and photo bundles benefited the charity. At the Lake Arrowhead Brewfest, his beer tastings—requiring cash or food donations—raised over $1,100 and 10 boxes of food for Operation Provider. Additionally, he participated in the 2016 Celebrity Bowling Tournament for the Hollywood Police Activities League, a youth development program, helping the event generate $10,000 in total funds through celebrity attendance and activities.[5][4][36] His philanthropic efforts extend to conventions and brewfests, where he leverages his brewing business as a platform for fundraising; for instance, at annual Lake Arrowhead Brewfests since 2015, 100% of beer sales and related merchandise have supported charitable causes, often exceeding $1,000 per event in donations. At horror conventions like Nightmare Weekend, Divoff engages fans through appearances and sales to bolster ongoing drives, aligning with his pattern of event-based giving.[4][37] Divoff frequently employs his iconic Wishmaster Djinn persona in charity promotions, selling autographed photos, T-shirts, and themed items like Djinn Rings to fund the Mountain Film and Theater Arts Committee (MFTAC), which awards scholarships to aspiring filmmakers and artists. These sales, particularly at brewfests and online through his official store, have directly supported MFTAC's annual scholarships, with drives raising hundreds of dollars per campaign to enable educational opportunities in the arts.[5][38][39]Personal life
Family and residences
Andrew Divoff was born in San Tomé, Venezuela, to a Russian father and a mother of Irish and German descent born in Maracaibo, Venezuela.[1][7] His father worked as a wildcatter for Exxon, while his mother worked for the State Department; they divorced when he was 10 years old, after which he moved with his mother and sister to northern California.[4] His father later retired to Malibu, California.[4] Divoff has maintained limited public details about his family relationships, with no verified information available regarding children. He was married to Russian actress Raissa Danilova from 1992 until their divorce in 1998.[7][40] Since 1992, Divoff has resided in a rustic home in the San Bernardino Mountains near Lake Arrowhead, California, which he purchased during a period of career growth and has since used as a central base for his international travels.[4][5] The mountain location appeals to his interests in skiing and a slower-paced lifestyle away from urban centers.[4] As of 2025, he continues to live there, occasionally referencing family ties to Russia through his father's heritage and making visits connected to his Irish ancestral roots, though specific details on sibling interactions remain private.[5][1]Activism and interests
Andrew Divoff has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmentalism, particularly in advocating for water rights and conservation efforts in California. He has expressed concerns over corporate water extraction practices in drought-prone mountain communities, such as those affecting Lake Arrowhead, where he actively opposes companies like Arrowhead Water for depleting local resources during environmental crises.[8] As a founder of Verdant Resource, Inc., a flexible purpose corporation, Divoff focuses on sustainable resource provision.[34] His involvement extends to hands-on conservation, including efforts to maintain healthy forests in the San Bernardino Mountains through community initiatives.[41] Beyond activism, Divoff pursues diverse personal interests that reflect his adventurous and creative spirit. He maintains a keen interest in linguistics, speaking eight languages—including English, Spanish, Russian, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Catalan—which stems from an early obsession with language learning that he credits for broadening his worldview and aiding his engagement with international environmental causes.[8] Travel is another passion, as he frequently attends horror and comic conventions worldwide, from New Jersey to Wales and Canada, using these opportunities to connect with fans and promote his advocacy work. Additionally, Divoff has a background in stunt performing, having aspired to become a professional stuntman in his youth and frequently executing his own action sequences in films, which he views as an exhilarating extension of his physical pursuits.[5][8] As of 2025, he continues to engage in brewing craft beer at Three Marm Brewing Company, supporting local environmental and arts charities.[5][41][8] Divoff's health and lifestyle choices emphasize a connection to nature, eschewing the urban Hollywood scene in favor of a rustic existence in the San Bernardino Mountains near Lake Arrowhead. This secluded, community-oriented life allows him to prioritize wellness through outdoor activities like skiing and brewing craft beer at his Three Marm Brewing company, where proceeds support local environmental and arts charities, reinforcing his belief that personal fulfillment comes from direct contributions to global and local issues.[5][41][8]Filmography
Films
- 1983: Strangers Kiss (Man in diner)
- 1986: Neon Maniacs (Noel, the leader of the Maniacs)
- 1988: Mac and Me (Gang Leader)
- 1989: Breaking Point (Pete)
- 1990: The Hunt for Red October (Andrei)
- 1990: Graveyard Shift (Danson)
- 1990: Another 48 Hrs. (Cherry Ganz)[14]
- 1990: An American Summer (Arnie)
- 1991: Toy Soldiers (Luis Cali)
- 1992: Back in the U.S.S.R. (Viktor Rostavili)
- 1993: Running Cool (Miguel)
- 1993: Extreme Justice (Max)
- 1994: Hong Kong 97 (Jack Pendleton)
- 1994: A Low Down Dirty Shame (Manny Gomez)
- 1994: Dangerous Touch (Vincent)
- 1994: Oblivion (Jaggar)
- 1995: Xtro 3: Watch the Skies (Captain Fetterman)
- 1995: Magic Island (Blackbeard)
- 1995: The Stranger (Angel)
- 1995: The Random Factor (Jake Anders)
- 1996: For Which He Stands (Ryan Spenser)
- 1996: Oblivion 2: Backlash (Jaggar)
- 1996: Adrenalin: Fear the Rush (Lemieux)
- 1996: Nemesis 4: Death Angel (Bernhard)
- 1996: Escape from L.A. (Hector)
- 1997: Wishmaster (The Djinn / Nathaniel Demerest)[42]
- 1997: Air Force One (Boris Bazylev)[43]
- 1997: Touch Me (Dr. Vachenko)
- 1997: Blast (O'Fallon)
- 1998: Captured (Dmitri)
- 1999: Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies (The Djinn)[44]
- 1999: Stealth Fighter (Dr. Julien)
- 2000: Down 'n Dirty (Bran)
- 2000: Lockdown (Chino)
- 2000: Faust: Love of the Damned (M / Mephistopheles)[45]
- 2001: Demonium (Detective)
- 2001: Knight Club (Raul)
- 2001: Blue Hill Avenue (Det. Tyler)
- 2001: The Rage Within (Dr. Viktor Vasiliev)
- 2003: The Librarians (Marcos)
- 2004: Moscow Heat (Alex)
- 2005: Forbidden Warrior (Doroga)
- 2005: Sharkskin 6 (Eddie)
- 2005: The Straun House (Dr. Timothy Straun)
- 2006: American Dreamz (Terrorist Leader)
- 2007: The Rage (Dr. Viktor Vasilienko)
- 2007: Treasure Raiders (Father Cronin)
- 2007: Chicago Massacre: Richard Speck (Jack Whitaker)
- 2007: The Dead One (Death)
- 2008: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Russian Soldier)
- 2008: Boston Strangler: The Untold Story (John Marsden)
- 2009: Crank: High Voltage (Ricky Verona)
- 2009: Ballistica (Dragomir)
- 2009: Magic Man (Rudolph Treadwell)
- 2010: The Dead Matter (Vellich)
- 2010: Shadows in Paradise (Lt. Andrew Stronach)
- 2010: The Lazarus Papers (Copeland)
- 2010: The Void (Dr. Thomas Abernathy)
- 2011: Slip & Fall (Dean Dickman)
- 2011: Monsterpiece Theatre Volume 1 (The Beast)
- 2012: Night of the Living Dead 3D: Re-Animation (Prof. Heinrich Herz / Schatz)
- 2013: Immigrant (Tolik)
- 2014: Bad Ass 2: Bad Asses (Leandro Herrera)
- 2014: The Equalizer (Tedeschi)
- 2016: Pretty Fine Things (Father)
- 2017: Demons (Jasper Grant)
- 2017: The Hatred (Samuel Sears)
- 2017: Dead Trigger (President of the U.S.)
- 2019: Vault (Buddy Woonsocket)
- 2023: The Bricklayer (Alexei)
- 2024: Camp Pleasant Lake (Evil Man)[19]
- 2025: The Final Frame (The Caller)[46]
- 2026: The Dead Rose (Kandle)[21]
Television
Andrew Divoff began his television career in the 1980s with guest appearances in action and adventure series, often portraying guards or antagonists with international backgrounds, leveraging his multilingual abilities.[7] Over the decades, he appeared in numerous procedurals and dramas, frequently as recurring villains or mysterious figures, including notable roles in high-profile shows like Lost and The Blacklist. His television work spans guest spots and multi-episode arcs from the 1980s to the 2020s.[18]- 1985: Scarecrow and Mrs. King as Russian Guard (1 episode)[47]
- 1987: MacGyver as Russian Guard (1 episode)[12]
- 1986–1987: The A-Team as Colonel Sanchez / Mick (2 episodes)[48]
- 1993: Highlander: The Series as Nevil (1 episode)[48]
- 1993: Walker, Texas Ranger as Alberto Cardoza (1 episode)[49]
- 1995: JAG as Col. Victor Borsov (1 episode)
- 2006: Criminal Minds as Corporal Thadius Logan (1 episode)[50]
- 2006–2010: Lost as Mikhail Bakunin (9 episodes, recurring)
- 2007: Burn Notice as Ivan (1 episode)
- 2008–2009: CSI: Miami as Ivan Sarnoff (4 episodes, recurring)
- 2008: Leverage as Sergei (1 episode)
- 2015–2016: The Blacklist as Karakurt (6 episodes, recurring)
- 2014: The Strain as Peter Bishop (1 episode)
- 2020: Perry Mason as Al Howard (2 episodes)