‘Russian’ Leonardo DiCaprio Sent to War in Ukraine?

Roman Burtzev, a Russian computer programmer who gained brief internet fame for his resemblance to Leonardo DiCaprio, has reportedly been drafted to fight in Ukraine.

The move follows years of personal and professional setbacks, including significant weight gain that cost him his career as a DiCaprio lookalike, according to Russian media sources.

Burtzev, 41, first rose to prominence in 2016 when he posted his photo on a dating website. The image went viral, earning him the nickname “the Russian fat version of Leonardo DiCaprio.” His striking blue eyes and some facial similarities to the Hollywood actor were enough to attract attention from modeling agencies. Despite being nearly 100 pounds heavier and eight years younger than the Oscar-winning actor, Burtzev’s likeness made him a minor celebrity in Russia.

Modeling opportunities soon came Burtzev’s way, as agencies looking for a DiCaprio doppelgänger hired him for photoshoots and promotional work. Riding the wave of his viral fame, Burtzev quit his programming job and pursued a career impersonating the “Titanic” star full-time. At the height of his brief fame, he appeared on TV shows and even made public appearances.

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Burtzev’s newfound career began to sink. Demand for his services dried up, as public events were canceled and the entertainment industry slowed down. In an interview with The Mirror in 2021, Burtzev revealed that he had gained even more weight during this period. Living in a small apartment with his parents, he struggled financially and took on various odd jobs to make ends meet.

With his resemblance to DiCaprio fading and no modeling work on the horizon, Burtzev found himself in dire straits. His situation worsened when he was drafted into the Russian military, reportedly due to his weight and lack of employment. According to Gazeta, Burtzev will receive a monthly salary of $2,100 and a $21,000 bonus for completing military training.

Burtzev’s story reflects the broader realities faced by many Russians since the war in Ukraine began. With economic hardships intensifying due to sanctions and military mobilization, many men have found themselves either volunteering or being drafted to fight. His case also highlights the unique ways in which fame, even in its most fleeting forms, can turn into a double-edged sword.

As for Burtzev, the one-time DiCaprio lookalike now faces a very different kind of reality, far removed from the glamorous photoshoots and TV appearances of his past. What started as an unusual path to fame has now led to the frontlines of a war—a stark reminder of how unpredictable life can be.