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From Russian TV star to UK survival: Dmitry Sharakois' harsh reality

A former sitcom star now streams games for 100 viewers and skips meals to pay rent. How did Dmitry Sharakois' dream of a fresh start turn into a fight for stability?

The image shows a piece of paper with a poem written in Russian on it. The text is written in black...
The image shows a piece of paper with a poem written in Russian on it. The text is written in black ink on a white background, and the poem is framed by a thin black border. The paper appears to be slightly crumpled, giving it a worn and aged look.

From Russian TV star to UK survival: Dmitry Sharakois' harsh reality

Dmitry Sharakois, once famous for playing Levin in the Russian sitcom Interny, now faces financial struggles in the UK. His acting career has stalled since moving there in 2022, leaving him to take on odd jobs and rely on small online earnings. The shift from television fame to a precarious lifestyle marks a sharp turn in his fortunes.

Sharakois arrived in the UK four years ago, hoping for new opportunities. But major film or TV roles never materialised, and his only income now comes from minor gigs and online streaming. He plays games like CS2, Minecraft, and FC 26 for around 100 viewers at a time, earning just enough to scrape by.

His daily life reflects the financial strain. He rents a small room, buys the cheapest groceries, and drinks tap water to save money. At times, he has even relied on food assistance packages meant for those in need. To make ends meet, he has worked as a waiter, a courier, and on construction sites—far removed from his acting days.

Despite the hardship, Sharakois maintains a modest online presence. His Telegram channel Mash has 41,000 followers, and he occasionally streams or posts content. Recently, he mentioned needing another 150,000 rubles to upgrade his ageing PC and monitor, a small but necessary investment for his streaming work.

Sharakois' career in the West has yet to take off, leaving him without steady acting work or significant contracts. For now, he continues balancing odd jobs, streaming, and frugal living. His situation highlights the challenges of rebuilding a career in a new country without a safety net.

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