Connor Storrie experienced a day that only a Hollywood celebrity could have.
His He and Janelle James of Abbott Elementary made a high-profile appearance at SAG-AFTRA offices on Wilshire Boulevard early on Wednesday to reveal the Actor Awards nominees. He played the fiery Russian hockey player Ilya Rozanov in Jacob Tierney’s Heated Rivalry, and when standing at a podium inside the Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson Theater, he said a sentence that perfectly captured his star-is-born arc: I was actually waiting tables eight months ago, so this is really crazy. He continued, “Now, instead of reading specials, I am reading nominations,” in a moment that went viral because it perfectly captured the show’s explosive ascension in just six episodes.
He left SAG-AFTRA with his group of publicists from Shelter PR at his side, after he had to deal with a swarm of reporters wearing a Dolce & Gabbana suit and a Hublot watch. He was headed to a meeting with a group of powerful representatives from CAA.
At night, Storrie, wearing a black satin Giuliva Heritage outfit, a Chanel watch, and diamonds, arrived at Chateau Marmont’s cobblestone driveway for the launch ceremony of the Coco Crush campaign, which was hosted by Gracie Abrams and Lily Allen. Early on in the private evening, however, it was evident that Storrie was the one drawing the most attention amidst a sea of singers, painters, and performers. With a microphone in hand, Tessa Thompson assured the Chanel-clad dinner guests, “Everyone wants to meet you,” while Storrie blushed and watched. You only need to glance at Instagram to see how widespread the Heated Rivalry phenomenon is. Storrie was at the top of both Abrams’ and Vogue’s carousels of photos that summarized the evening.
Even though it would be a daunting day for the most seasoned celebrities, Storrie, 25, remained composed, cool, and cheerful the entire time. He held a pack of blue American Spirits instead of his phone, concentrating on conversations or Allen’s captivating rendition of three songs from the critically acclaimed West End Girl about her divorce from David Harbour. Regarding his laser-like focus in the face of a hectic schedule that includes managing an experimental film he filmed with an iPhone, reading fresh scripts from CAA, and balancing the pressures of newly discovered fame, Storrie told me, “I just keep moving and be mindful about where I’m putting my attention.” I asked him how he was doing when I ran into him at both events on Wednesday.
How are you staying sane right now?
I honestly don’t have time to think about it or digest it since there’s been so much, which I believe is somewhat beneficial. Because our algorithms, especially these days, are so biased toward whatever you consume, I try to avoid comments and excessive online content because, if you go online, it might just be me. It’s like, “Okay, looking at yourself isn’t healthy and it’s not human.” I simply keep going while paying attention to where I’m focusing.
I wrote about you signing CAA this week. Have you thought about want to do next or what this year looks like?
I currently write and direct the program myself, which is a major aspect of my work and what I want to achieve. I’m now working on an iPhone feature, which is a very independent film that resembles Sean Baker because it will be made on an iPhone. Alongside Heated Rivalry, I simply want to grow as a filmmaker. As demonstrated in the show, I truly enjoy changing roles, therefore I think of myself as a character actor in a way. To see what that’s all about, I would like to be able to do that once more.
What’s the strategy with your agents?
I can’t even believe how many amazing possibilities they’re giving me. All I’m trying to do is do things that are bold, cool, and have a large impact. I’m just feeling it out by chatting to others. Since I believe that vibes are ultimately what matter, even though you want to work with the best of the best or have pieces that are preferably extremely cool, I’m also a huge believer in vibes. Meeting new individuals and determining whether you share similar creative interests is the main goal. I believe that’s why Heated Rivalry did what it did. Prior to this, Hudson and I weren’t even that close, but we simply got along so well with Jacob.
And are you reading scripts already?
Yes. A lot. To be honest, I don’t really have time.
I was going to say, when have you had the time?
I have a long flight ahead of me. Most likely, I will [then]. I find it difficult to fall asleep on airplanes.
I’m interviewing you while you’re standing next to Gracie Abrams. You’ve said that you just dreamed of being able to do the work but there’s a lot around it now. How are you processing these experiences?
It’s true what I’ve said before—I don’t really have the time to comprehend it. From November 19 to December 20, we were working on our projects every single day. I took a brief vacation for the holidays. To tell the truth, I simply make an effort to focus on the creative tasks that I’m working on right now. In addition to all of this, I’ve been working on this iPhone feature. I’m filming my movie, returning home, getting ready, and then attending any meetings or activities I have scheduled for the next few evenings and the days before, which go from around 7 a.m. until about 4 p.m. What makes it feasible is having an active task to complete.
Seeing you this morning and then again tonight, I’m thinking about style since it was Dolce & Gabbana in the morning and now you’re here at Chanel. Is there an overall Connor Storrie style strategy [with your stylist James Yardley]?
Prior to entering this realm, I never gave fashion any thought. The problem with nice things is that until you are around nice things, you have no idea why you appreciate them. I’ve never been a car enthusiast, but until you get in a truly great car for the first time, you see why people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on such a vehicle. The same may be said for clothing. You think, “Oh, I understand why people spend the money if they have it,” when you get to wear luxury clothing. Being in wonderful things feels fantastic and seductive, and nice things are nice.
Speaking of nice things, you’re going to the Golden Globes as a presenter and it’s cool that you and Hudson Williams get to do it together.
I’m thrilled. That, in my opinion, is a great platform for Hudson and me to be authentic. Just consider the legendary duos that have existed; to be one of them is like of It reminds me of Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, and Kristen Wiig. The fact that Nikki Glaser is doing it excites me. It will be fantastic.
In between seeing you, I saw some clips online of the sheer pandemonium outside Jimmy Fallon today when Hudson arrived. Did you see that?
I normally delete Instagram when I really need to lock in, so I didn’t have it on my phone today because I had a lot going on. “How did it go?” I texted Hudson. After that, I forgot. “It was really great,” he said. How was your experience? “It was really great,” I said.
The fandom is so proud and protective of you guys. One of the reports that came out stated that you had already signed on for three years, which led people online to speculate if you were getting paid enough or getting a bonus. Has there been a contract renegotiation or a nice bonus with the show’s massive success?
In all honesty, I now have a company manager and a lawyer who sort of handle the transactions for me. I am surviving. I’m content. I’m glad I’m no longer waiting tables and that I can earn money doing what I want to do. In terms of money, that’s all I have to say.
What has been the most meaningful text, email, DM you’ve received over the past month?
from my mother. There will be a lot of emotion in this. According to my mother, “I feel this huge weight lifted off of me or a sense of relief,” as she put it, “with you starting to do well in your career that you always wanted to do.” She believes that helping me with this was a part of her life’s journey or calling. She stated, “I feel this sense of relief for myself now that it’s gaining momentum.” I started crying over that.
The interview was modified for clarity and length. Views from inside Storrie’s Wednesday in Los Angeles are seen below.
