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Youve been a very busy man on TV this season.
How much did your work onThe AmericansandHomelandoverlap?All of it.
We startedThe Americansat the end of October, andHomelandstarted in September.
It was a lot of traveling, constant traveling, jet lag.
And to Alex [Gansa,Homelandsshowrunner], who gave me such a wonderful role.
The good news is that both Oleg andHomelands Yevgeny are still alive.
Are you surprised by that?Yes.
Frankly, I think its a surprise to all of us that Oleg survivedthe last episode of season five.
It was very poetic.
I didnt know how or why they would want to bring Oleg back.
These last two seasons, we get a much deeper portrait of Oleg.
When we first met him, he was a cocky, privileged son of a government official.
Was he always really that man, or did he become that man?I think both.
In that world, you cant be yourself.
You cant show your true self, what your true beliefs are.
I do a lot of research and a lot of work before actual filming begins.
And then withHomeland, because it takes place now, I had to learn the rest of the years.
Oleg has had powerful bonds with several characters, including this season with Philip.
They knew who each other was and they didnt talk about that.
They did not discuss work.
Not some Hollywood ending.
Like, I would hate for Oleg to die just for the sake of a tearjerker.
If viewers feel that, weve done our jobs.
But also, just because theres no next episode, it doesnt mean its the end of their lives.
Things will go on afterward.
Will Yevgeny return next season?I dont know.
I know Alex likes to be very current.
WithHomeland, its different because a lot of the things havent happened yet.
Things change every single day.
One more question: Our friends at the Cut recently askedif Oleg is hot.
What do you think?Somebody sent me that.
I thought it was cute.
Thank you to the ladies for their point of view.
If they find Oleg attractive, hot, handsome … terrific.
I dont really have an opinion about that.
I think a big part goes beyond his physical looks.
Well, no, everything is always about the writing.
So Oleg is hot because of those guys, not because of me.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
