Dmitry Pevtsov did not follow in his parents’ footsteps — while they devoted themselves to sports, he chose to become an actor. After graduating from the GITIS Institute of Theater Arts, he joined the team at the Taganka Theater.

Somehow, Pevtsov has managed to work, at different times, with each of Russia’s leading theater directors — from Roman Viktyuk to Mark Zakharov.

Today, Pevtsov is a star at the Lenkom Theater and one of the best actors in Russia, one who every director dreams of working with. Any production or a movie featuring Pevtsov is virtually assured of success. His credits include a Felix European cinema award for his supporting role in Gleb Panfilov’s film "Mat" (Mother), a Chaika theater award for his role in the play "Charley Cha," and the honorable title of Russian National Artist.

He has become strongly associated in his fans’ minds with the characters he plays. Women dream of his protection, while men would love to be his friend.

LifeStyle met the Russian sex symbol at a rehearsal for the upcoming musical "The Witches of Eastwick" at the Kinoaktyor Theater, where Pevtsov will be playing one of the main characters, Van Horne.

It always happens in my life that every time I want something for a long time, I finally get it. First, two years ago I picked up the hobby of singing in private and then I started studying vocals seriously. I recorded a song, and then I worked on the musical "Metro," where I played a role. My role only entailed walking around, saying a few lines and not singing. But I wanted to sing with those guys. Then I recorded one more song and then another, and then the album "Lenkom Actors Singing" came out. A little while later, I was called and invited to do "The Witches of Eastwick." I was told there was an excellent team here and was offered a chance to join. I’m not stupid enough to decline such offers. And here I am.

What attracted me was my desire to learn to sing and to work with director Janusz Josefowicz. I don’t think the work will lead me to any new discoveries in the art of acting, but it will definitely help me to make progress in my music and vocals. My work in the musical takes up half of my time, and the other half is for other theater productions, my traveling performances, my private life and my interests… When rehearsals had just begun, I even managed to get away for a while and be on "Posledny Geroi-2" [the Russian "Survivor"]. But now that the musical is premiering I have to turn down any business-related trips.

The main difference is in our individuality as actors. And, of course, in the genres of George Miller’s film and Josefowicz’s production.

I don’t know yet. I think he’ll start living his life only when we get out there on stage in front of the audience. Up to the premiere, everything looks pretty vague to me. At the same time, in my mind I’ve defined for myself what kind of a character he is and what in particular is interesting for me to act out.

I don’t have any talent for directing.

Hollywood is no different than the Gorky Film Studio in Moscow. Only the view is from the side. There is no other difference between the two.

You are addressing this question to the wrong person. Ask them.

Male actors. In general, my opinion is that the public should see actors only on stage, in movies, on TV — and nowhere else. These journalists’ attempts at sneaking peeks at us through keyholes are really disgusting. Oleg Menshikov was right when he refused to give interviews at all.

I can’t count how many times journalists have twisted my words, distorting the facts and drawing readers’ attention to my private life!

No more tough than it is to be the wife of such a handsome man as Pevtsov.

"The Witches of Eastwick" premieres at the Kinoaktyor Theater on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.