In a stark reversal of fortune, Roman Burtsev, once celebrated for his uncanny resemblance to Leonardo DiCaprio, now finds himself on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to Spanish media. His journey from internet fame to conscripted soldier highlights the tumultuous changes many Russians face amidst economic hardship and ongoing war.
Fame can strike from unexpected places, especially when one bears an striking resemblance to a global superstar. Such was the case for Roman Burtsev, a 41-year-old Russian who went viral a few years ago due to his remarkable likeness to Leonardo DiCaprio.
With facial features mirroring the Hollywood icon and a similar style, Burtsev landed modeling gigs, appeared in commercials, and even gave interviews at events as if he were DiCaprio's official Russian doppelganger. However, Burtsev's current reality is a far cry from the charmed life of a Hollywood A-lister, and his fleeting brush with fame faded faster than it arrived.
41-year-old Roman Burtsev from Podolsk, who became famous in 2016 due to his resemblance to a Hollywood star, signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense and is currently on front.#Ukraine #Russia #warfare #war #intel #intelligence #osint #combat #warnews pic.twitter.com/620rIRWNNo
— OSINT Wartec (@OSINTMilitia) October 7, 2024
In recent years, Burtsev experienced a dramatic weight gain, leading to a steep decline in job offers. This downward spiral accelerated with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, effectively drying up any remaining work opportunities. Instead of basking in the glow of camera flashes and red carpet events, he found himself living with his parents and pet cat in a cramped council flat, scraping by on temporary jobs.
The harsh reality of his situation intensified when Burtsev, like many Russian men struggling in the face of the economic crisis, was recently conscripted into the Russian army and deployed to the frontlines of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This grim and perilous reality is far from the Hollywood glamour he once emulated.
In a twist of irony, the forced military service may offer some financial relief to Burtsev and his family despite the obvious dangers. Upon enlistment, he received a one-time payment of $19,700, with a monthly salary of $2,000 for as long as he remains on the front. In the event of his death in combat, his family could be eligible for compensation of up to $122,000.
A recently circulated photograph, which has gone viral under far less glamorous circumstances, shows Burtsev – eight years younger than the 49-year-old DiCaprio – in military uniform, armed with a rifle, standing on the front line. This is the same Burtsev who, not long ago, was desperately trying to shed weight and reclaim his "DiCaprio figure," as he put it, in hopes of returning to the world of advertising and glamour. For now, it seems that the dream has been put on indefinite hold.
