Actor Semyon Treskunov, best known for his role in the television series Ivanovs-Ivanovs, discussed his decision to change his name after emigrating during an interview with Katerina Gordeeva, who is recognized as a public figure in Russia and described as a foreign agent by the Russian state. The topic of the talk centered on pragmatic choices and the practical impact of identity on an acting career across borders.
“I chose this version because it simply works better in a global context. It is shorter, easier to pronounce, and has a more international feel,” Treskunov explained. He noted that the adjustment was not about erasing his past but about making it simpler for audiences, producers, and colleagues around the world to connect with him on screen and off. The shift also reflected a personal preference for a name that could travel more smoothly through different languages and cultures without losing its essence.
The artist also shared that he encountered some challenges related to the original name, which translates to a biological term in English. He added that he and his partner relocated to Spain in April 2022 and have been navigating life there through work searches and language studies. Currently, Treskunov is pursuing acting opportunities while taking Spanish lessons as part of settling into a new environment. He has managed to sustain himself with savings accumulated prior to the move, allowing him to focus on auditions and training while building a new routine abroad.
One anecdote from his journey involved a classic car purchase during his late teenage years. At the age of 18, he and his father bought a manual Peugeot 308 for roughly half a million rubles, a vehicle that served as a practical means of exploring Moscow. In hindsight, he recalls needing to sell the car to recover funds that were later allocated to language courses, legal consultations, and travel expenses for auditions and relocation. The experience underscored the financial realities faced by artists as they balance career development with personal life changes and the demands of pursuing opportunities in a shifting landscape.
In other entertainment industry notes, there was commentary about changes in the reception of remakes within the scene. Observers noted that audiences and critics sometimes respond differently to contemporary adaptations of well-loved works, highlighting the ongoing conversation about originality, nostalgia, and audience expectations in modern media. This broader context helps explain why performers may choose to redefine their public personas and how those choices can influence their career trajectories across international markets. [citation: Katerina Gordeeva interview]