Yuri Khlystov, a multifaceted professional actor, model, producer, and casting director, has carved a niche in the dynamic world of cinema, particularly in Beijing, China. Renowned for his roles in Chinese Zodiac (2012), Unstoppable (2018), and Operation Red Sea (2018), Yuri has collaborated with a spectrum of top-tier Chinese and Hong Kong actors, and international stars such as Andy Lao, Gong Li, Bo Huang, Xiaoming Huang, Ma Dong-seok, Song Ji-Hyo, Yi Zhang, Lee Jung-jae, and Liam Neeson. Over the past decade, his filmography includes over 20 movies, featuring collaborations with eminent directors and producers like Chen Kaige, Li Jun, Zhang Yimou, and Jackie Chan.
Originating from Minsk, Belarus, Yuri's journey in film and television began in Helsinki, Finland, where he graduated from the University of Helsinki in 2009. His early fascination with the Chinese film industry and martial arts icons like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee fueled his ambition. In pursuit of his dream, Yuri relocated to Beijing, China, in 2008, post-Beijing Olympics, immersing himself in the local film industry from 2010.
Yuri's talent extends beyond acting, encompassing a range of skills that make him a versatile and compelling performer. He is fluent in English, Russian, and Mandarin Chinese and is trained in martial arts, mixed martial arts, boxing, swimming, racing, shooting, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and various sports. His proficiency in dance and yoga adds to his diverse skill set.
Throughout his career, Yuri has portrayed a variety of characters, including a Russian Mercenary in Chinese Zodiac, a British Council Employee in Deng Xiaoping at History's Crossroads, a Military Man in Battle for Incheon: Operation Chromite, and a US Marine Corp Soldier in The Battle at Lake Changjin. His versatility extends to television, with roles in Ivy Monsters and The Silicon Wave, and commercial appearances for brands like CICC, Foton Motor Corp, Mengniu Dairy, Steakhouse, Dettol, and Visa. Yuri has also lent his voice and likeness to 3D/online games like Cash Frenzy Casino and D-War.
Yuri's latest achievements include his role in the action-packed drama "The Mafia Hunter" (2023), a portrayal of a US Army Soldier in The Great War (2023) directed by Kaige Chen, a surgeon in the Chinese drama Ta De Sheng Cun Zhi Dao (2023), and a significant role in Mosike xingdong (2023) alongside Andy Lau, Xuan Huang, and Jason Gu. His dedication to his craft and willingness to embrace diverse roles and challenges make him a standout foreign actor in China's entertainment landscape.