Vladimir Putin Granted Actor Steven Seagal Russian Citizenship
The “Above the Law” star has previously praised the Russian president and defended the nation's annexation of Crimea
November 7, 2016
Actor, martial artist, and reality TV star Steven Seagal has been granted Russian citizenship by Vladimir Putin.
Putin, the nation’s president since 2012, signed an official decree to that effect because of the “Hard to Kill” star’s successes as an actor and his “warm feelings” toward Russia, according to a BBC report.
Seagal is also reportedly friends with Putin, having previously described him as “one of the greatest world leaders.” In 2014, Seagal defended the nation’s advance into Crimea as “very reasonable.” He also strapped on a guitar and played a rock show there that same year.
Seagal, who’s grandmother was from Vladivostok, Russia, has previously vowed to spend several months in Russia each year. In 2013, Putin requested the U.S. make Seagal an official intermediary between the two governments, but the U.S. declined.
Click here for more information on the “Under Siege” star’s Russian citizenship.
