After his breakthrough role in HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry, Connor Storrie is not just waiting for his next acting part. He is actively creating it. The actor, who plays Russian hockey star Ilya Rozanov, has seen his career change completely in just eight months, moving from a restaurant job to reading major award nominations. Now, he is using his new opportunities to build a career as a filmmaker, not just an actor.
Storrie’s schedule is packed with high-profile events and creative work. He is balancing appearances at awards shows with directing his own independent movie, showing he wants to do more than just act.
A New Chapter as a Filmmaker
While fans eagerly wait for Heated Rivalry Season 2, Connor Storrie is already working on his next project behind the camera. He is currently filming a personal, low-budget movie using an iPhone, inspired by the style of director Sean Baker.
Storrie told The Hollywood Reporter about his drive to create: “A big part of my career and what I want to do right now… is I write and direct myself. I’m in the middle of doing an iPhone feature… I just want to develop as a filmmaker”. This project shows Storrie’s focus on storytelling and his desire to have creative control, building on the momentum from the show’s success.
From Server to Star: A Rapid Rise to Fame
The speed of Storrie’s rise has been a central part of his story. In early 2025, he was working 40-hour weeks at a restaurant. By January 2026, he was on stage with Janelle James from Abbott Elementary, announcing the nominees for the 2026 Actor Awards.
“Eight months ago, I was literally waiting tables, so this is pretty wild. Now, instead of reading specials, I am reading nominations,” Storrie said during the nominations announcement.
This journey from a service job to a spotlight at Hollywood’s biggest events shows how quickly Heated Rivalry changed his life. Storrie and his co-star Hudson Williams have both signed with the powerful talent agency CAA, which will guide their future projects.
A Packed Schedule of Major Appearances
Storrie is using his new fame to make key appearances in the entertainment world, building his profile. His upcoming schedule includes:
- Presenting at the Golden Globes: On Sunday, January 11, Storrie and Hudson Williams will present an award at the 2026 Golden Globes. This will be their first major awards show appearance together.
- Late-Night Television Debut: Storrie is scheduled to appear on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” on January 12. This follows his co-star Williams’ own late-night debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on January 7.
- Morning Show Debut: Storrie will also make his morning television debut on NBC’s “Today” show on January 14.
These appearances are more than just promotional duties; they are strategic steps that introduce Storrie to wider audiences and industry decision-makers.
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Choosing What Comes Next
With fame comes a flood of new offers. Storrie says his team is now bringing him “a bunch of cool opportunities”. He is carefully reading scripts that come his way, often during flights, and is very selective about his next moves.
His approach to choosing projects relies heavily on instinct. “I’m very big on vibes,” he explained. He focuses on whether he connects creatively with the filmmakers and if the project feels bold and interesting. While he is open to various roles, he has mentioned a specific interest in playing a character similar to his co-star’s Heated Rivalry role, Shane Hollander, or even playing the son of Cate Blanchett in a film.
Despite the whirlwind, Storrie is focused on the creative work. He relies on his lawyer and business manager to handle deal-making, so he can concentrate on the art. He has expressed simple gratitude for his new path: “I’m happy I get to make money doing what I want to do, and I’m just happy that I’m not waiting tables anymore”.
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