Connor Storrie has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with his magnetic performance as Ilya Rozanov in the screen adaptation of Rachel Reid's beloved novel, Heated Rivalry. Since the book's release in 2019, fans have been enthralled by the story of the Russian-American ice hockey player and his secret romance with rival Shane Hollander. Storrie's brilliant portrayal has solidified his status as a rising star and the internet's newest obsession.
Connor Storrie: The Facts Behind the Fame
Connor Storrie was born on February 22, 2000, making him a 25-year-old Pisces. While his on-screen character Ilya Rozanov is born in 1991, Storrie himself is a little older than his co-star Hudson Williams, who plays Shane. As for his height, there is no official confirmation, but fan analysis from photos with his castmates suggests he stands between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall. This is notably shorter than Ilya's formidable 6 foot 3 inch stature in the story.
Despite his convincing Russian accent in the series, Storrie is actually American, hailing from Texas. In an interview with eTalk, he expressed his fascination with Russian culture, stating it felt "really exotic and out there." He finds playing characters far removed from himself to be an enlightening and fun creative process.
From Supporting Roles to Leading Man
Before landing the career-defining role in Heated Rivalry, Connor Storrie built his resume with several notable appearances. In 2023, he featured in the series Tiny Beautiful Things alongside Kathryn Hahn. The following year, he appeared in the major film Joker: Folie à Deux with Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix, playing a young inmate. Most recently, he took on a leading role as Baxter in the thriller April X.
Real-Life Chemistry with Co-Star Hudson Williams
The on-screen romance between Ilya and Shane has blossomed into a genuine off-screen friendship. In fact, Storrie partly owes his casting to Williams. Showrunner Jacob Tierney revealed to Out magazine that after a chemistry test, Hudson Williams provided pivotal feedback, telling Tierney that while another actor was good, "Connor felt like he was going to pin me down and f--- me." This undeniable chemistry secured him the part.
The bond continued after filming wrapped. Storrie shared an Instagram post with Williams, captioning it, "That’s a wrap - gonna miss you Huddy❤️ (Shane + Ilya 4 ever)". Williams reciprocated the sentiment in the comments, writing, "I love you forever Connor❤️".
As for his relationship status, Connor Storrie appears to be single, though he may be keeping a private romance out of the public eye. Fans can follow his journey on Instagram via his official handle, @connorstorrieofficial.
