Image Credit: HBO Max/Crave
Thanks to Crave and HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry, the stardom of co-stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams has surged. The Canadian LGBTQ sports drama features Connor as Ilya Rozanov, the imagined Russian-American hockey team leader, and Hudson as Shane Hollander, the Canadian hockey rival, involved in a clandestine, prolonged relationship.
As the series garnered widespread attention following its debut in November 2025, both performers spoke openly regarding their quick connection during the casting process. In a November 2025 discussion with Out Magazine, Connor recalled knowing almost immediately that Hudson was the correct pick. “Hudson was the third performer that I auditioned with,” he stated, clarifying that after their audition, showrunner Jacob Tierney requested his viewpoint. “I responded with, ‘Yes, Hudson, absolutely.’ Immediately.”
Hudson echoed that feeling, expressing an instant and challenging-to-define link. “There was an unexplainable element that simply felt more genuine than what I believed was possible,” he revealed. Connor has also mentioned in interviews about preparing for the part, including perfecting Ilya’s speech pattern and handling the program’s intense emotional and physical burdens as its fame continues to build.
Hollywood Life has put together everything we are aware of about Connor and his performing career below.
Courtesy of HBO
Connor Is Not of Russian Ancestry — He’s From Texas
Despite his compelling Russian inflection in Heated Rivalry, Connor is actually a Texas native, according to numerous sources. During a conversation with Etalk, Connor explained why he was drawn to perfecting his dialect abilities.
“In truth, I’ve always simply considered Russian language and Russian culture really fascinating,” the performer expressed. “It’s remarkably different from American culture, so it comes across as truly unique and distant. … Getting the opportunity to portray anything that is as far removed from me as feasible, I believe is truly illuminating. It’s also simply enjoyable to adopt that kind of demeanor. It enables you to uncover aspects about yourself and about the world. It’s easier to perform that way too because I’m not as concerned about being Connor.”
Connor Is Also a Writer & a Director
Besides being a performer, Connor is also a writer and a director, according to his IMDb page.
Connor Appeared in Joker: Folie à Deux
One of Connor’s most recognizable significant cinematic roles was in Joker: Folie à Deux as a youthful prisoner.
Connor Has Been Performing in Film Since 2018
As shown on his IMDb profile, Connor has been acting in film since 2018.
In a discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Connor portrayed his journey as significantly a work in development. “I’m still significantly in the early phases of my career,” he stated, adding that he appreciates being transparent concerning that truth. He revealed that when he auditioned for Heated Rivalry, he was working full-time at a dining establishment, often working 40-hour weeks and leaving at 1 a.m. “I did that on and off ever since I was in high school,” Connor shared, highlighting how recent his transition into full-time acting truly is.
Connor Is Approximately 26 Years Old
Connor is 26 years old presently, according to his IMDb.