Anecdotes

Played the Saxon King Aelle in Vikings (2013) and Ivar the Boneless in Hammer of the Gods (2013) - the Viking leader who is said to have killed King Aelle.

Gave an interview on his role as King Aelle in History Channel's TV show "Vikings" (2013) in September 2017 where he disputed his villain status, provided new insights and background information and talked about his personal relation to the Vikings.

Was described as the "most Viking-like" cast member of Vikings by Clive Standen in an interview in 2015 ("He's got Viking in him.").

Stated in an interview that his Russian ancestors claimed to be descended from the Vikings.

Has worked with Johnny Depp in 'Dark Shadows' (2012) and with Johnny Depp's daughter Lily-Rose Depp in 'The King' (2019).

Was the first choice for the role of Tom Kettle in stage play 'The Ferryman' in London's West End but was unavailable during the first run due to other work and thus joined for the second run.

Got his nose broken in his youth when he was beaten up at school.

Before being cast as King Aelle in Vikings (2013), he auditioned for the role of Earl Haraldson which was eventually played by Gabriel Byrne who was better known at the time.