Who Is Connor Storrie from Heated Rivalry? Everything You Need to Know About the Actor Playing Ilya

HBO’s Heated Rivalry is quickly becoming a sensation, thanks in large part to the electric chemistry between its two male leads. But who is Connor Storrie when he’s not portraying Ilya Rozanov?

Adapted from Rachel Reid‘s Game Changers book series, Heated Rivalry explores the tumultuous relationship between two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie). Their on-ice animosity serves as a façade for a hidden and intense romance.

The series debuted on Crave in November 2025 and later expanded its reach through HBO Max. Following the release of the initial episodes, fans of the books took to social media to express their enthusiasm for the adaptation, particularly highlighting the palpable chemistry between Storrie and Williams.

“We both have a tactile nature when it comes to expressing love,” Storrie shared with Swooon. “Physical touch is important to us, whether it’s with friends, family, or partners.”

He elaborated: “When these characters begin to feel affection for each other, we consciously worked to let that show. It’s interesting to see how it manifests for Shane and Ilya and how it differs from our personal dynamics. That instinct to connect was naturally within us. We also became very close very quickly, which certainly made it easier.”

In an interview with Out Magazine, Storrie discussed his method for embodying the confident hockey player.

“To convince the audience of their chemistry, we need to believe in their individual realities. Ilya’s life is filled with chaos, and that’s essential,” Storrie mentioned that same month. “It’s about immersing ourselves in those scenarios to create something authentic. Additionally, I have a personal fondness for the Russian language; any chance to learn an accent or new skill is something I cherish.”

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Storrie:

What Roles Is Connor Storrie Known For?

Before capturing attention as Ilya, Storrie portrayed a young inmate at Arkham Asylum in the 2024 film Joker: Folie à Deux. This role required him to keep his involvement under wraps for nearly two years until the film’s release allowed him to confirm it publicly.

Does Connor Storrie Have an Athletic Background?

Raised in Texas, Storrie initially trained as a gymnast before transitioning into acting, a background he credits with aiding him in authentically portraying his character in HBO’s Heated Rivalry.

How Did Connor Storrie Work to Bring Ilya Rozanov to Life?

Interestingly, Storrie didn’t know Russian before taking on the role. To portray Ilya faithfully, he dedicated time to learning the language and honing a Russian accent for his lines in English.

“I’ve always found the Russian language and culture fascinating. It’s vastly different from American culture, making it feel exotic and distant from my upbringing,” Storrie shared with ETalk in November 2025. “Playing a character so removed from my own experiences feels enlightening.”

He added: “It’s also enjoyable to adopt that kind of demeanor. I’m naturally enthusiastic, so getting to express that is fun. It allows for self-discovery, both personally and in the broader world. Playing a character helps me step outside of being Connor.”

How Did Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams Develop Their Onscreen Chemistry?

Creator Jacob Tierney commended Storrie and Williams for their commitment to bringing Ilya and Shane’s love story to life during a joint interview with Out Magazine. The trio discussed the effort that went into selecting the ideal pairing.

“Hudson was the third actor I read with. The first two were fine, but then Hudson came in. Jacob texted me directly, asking for my thoughts, and I immediately said, ‘Yes, Hudson is the one.’ It was instant,” Storrie remembered, while Williams added, “I only read with one other potential Ilya, and it was good. But there was something about Connor that had this indescribable X-factor—it felt more genuine than I expected.”

Tierney recounted their conversation, stating, “Hudson told me, ‘The other guy was good, but Connor felt like he was going to pin me down and f*** me.’ That’s exactly what he said. I knew then that I had made the right casting decision.”