Sebastian Stan is a Romanian-born actor, renowned for his roles in Marvel films where he portrayed the assassin known as the Winter Soldier. He's also recognized for his roles in movies such as "Ricki and the Flash," "The Martian," and "I, Tonya."
Romanian-born American actor Sebastian Stan
Early Life
Sebastian was born on August 13, 1982, in the Romanian port city of Constanța. Shortly after his birth, his parents divorced, leaving him in the care of his mother, the pianist Georgeta.
Young Sebastian Stan
At the age of eight, the anti-communist Romanian Revolution occurred, forcing his family to move to Vienna. Four years later, they migrated to the United States.
For many children, moving from one home to another can be challenging. But young Sebastian transitioned through three countries and three languages.
It was tough transitioning from one world into a completely different one where a different language is spoken. But in the end, that experience proved valuable. As a child, you just want to fit in. Growing up, I realized that being different is actually a good thing.
In the US, Georgeta married the head of a private school in New York, which Sebastian attended. He formed a close bond with his stepfather, quickly regarding him as his real father.
From his earliest months in America, Stan was frequently on stage. He joined the drama club and participated in all school plays including "West Side Story," "Harvey," "Cyrano de Bergerac," and "Little Shop of Horrors." After finishing high school, he enrolled in the Arts University in New Jersey. In college, Sebastian earned the nickname "Sea Bass."
Upon graduation, not only did he become a certified actor, but he was also officially recognized as a US citizen. In 2007, he made his Broadway debut in "Talk Radio" alongside Liev Schreiber.
Acting Career
Stan's film debut took place in Vienna in 1994, when he was cast in a minor role in the Austrian drama "71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance." He returned to the big screen a decade later, starring in the comedy "Tony n' Tina's Wedding." Interestingly, the lead role was played by then-unknown actress Mila Kunis, also an immigrant from Eastern Europe.
Sebastian Stan in the TV series 'Gossip Girl'
Sebastian's first significant role was in the popular TV drama "Gossip Girl" alongside Blake Lively. Although his character only appeared in 11 episodes of the show's first three seasons, the young actor garnered a large female following worldwide. A few years later, he starred in the NBC series "Kings."
In 2010, Stan teamed up with Mila Kunis again, this time in Darren Aronofsky's Oscar-winning drama "Black Swan."
Sebastian Stan on the set of 'Black Swan'
A turning point in Sebastian's career was his role as the assassin Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, in "Captain America: The First Avenger." Released in 2011, this blockbuster made Stan one of the hottest young actors of his generation.
Sebastian Stan talking about his role in Captain America: The First Avenger
The movie grossed over $350 million globally, leading to several sequels where Sebastian reprised his role as Bucky Barnes, and again teamed up with Chris Evans, who played Captain America. Stan also voiced his character in the video game "Captain America: Super Soldier."
While working on the Marvel franchise, Sebastian featured in notable projects such as the sci-fi comedy "The Martian" with Matt Damon, the action film "Logan Lucky" with Daniel Craig and Channing Tatum.
Sebastian Stan and Mark Hamill in their youth – many see the resemblance
Sebastian also reminisced about working on the dramedy "Ricki and the Flash" where he played the adult son of Meryl Streep's character. He once confessed that he couldn't differentiate between Meryl's character and her real persona, saying, "It was like sleeping on a bed of pinecones."
Sebastian Stan Breaks Down His Career, from Captain America to Pam & Tommy
In early 2018, audiences saw Sebastian in the biographical dark comedy "I, Tonya" starring Margot Robbie. The story revolves around a figure skater who doesn't fit the ideal skater mold. Sebastian portrayed Jeff Gillooly, the ex-husband of the athlete who attempted to eliminate Tonya's competitor.
Sebastian Stan in 'I, Tonya'
Sebastian appeared in both "Avengers 3" and "Avengers 4", and also in the anticipated adaptation of Shirley Jackson's "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" alongside Alexandra Daddario. In 2021, he starred with Anthony Mackie in the mini-series "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier", which won two MTV awards, including one for Best Duo.
Sebastian Stan's Personal Life
Sebastian had his first kiss with a girl when he was 10 years old. She was 16 and went to the same school as him. "It was awesome! But I can't even recall her name," he admitted in an interview. He also mentioned in that conversation that he lost his virginity at 17.
Sebastian Stan and Leighton Meester
The charismatic Hollywood actor has not only captured the hearts of many fans but also those of his fellow actors. Over the years, Stan has dated actresses like Leighton Meester (his "Gossip Girl" co-star), Ashley Greene, Dianna Agron, and Jennifer Morrison.
From 2013, he was in a relationship with Margarita Levieva, whom he met on the set of "Spread". Interestingly, she's also an immigrant. Her family moved to the USA from Leningrad in 1991. The two parted ways in 2016.
Sebastian Stan and Margarita Levieva
In 2020, Sebastian had a brief romance with Spanish actress and model Alejandra Onieva. By 2022, news surfaced that he was seeing British actress Annabelle Wallis.
Sebastian Stan kissing Annabelle Wallis
In his leisure, Sebastian loves watching Pixar animations and listening to music. His favorite genres are classic rock, disco, and techno.
Sebastian Stan Now
In 2023, the actor teamed up with Julianne Moore for the thriller "Sharper," which premiered on Apple TV+.
In the set of 'Sharper'
He played the leading role of Tommy Lee, the drummer of Mötley Crüe, in the miniseries "Pam & Tommy", which depicted the love story between the musician and Pamela Anderson, portrayed by Lily James.
Sebastian Stan and Lily James (right) as Tommy and Pam
Preparing for this role, Sebastian tried to lose weight by walking 20,000 steps daily, running extensively, and fasting for 16-18 hours a day. Yet, mastering the impressive drum solos was the most challenging part. "My fingers were swollen for one and a half weeks. I kept hitting my head with the drumsticks," he reminisced.
A stell from 'Pam and Tommy'
During this period, Stan also appeared in the Hulu horror-comedy "Fresh," the action film "The 355", and the financial comedy "Bad Money". His next reprisal of the Winter Soldier role will be in "Captain America: Brave New World," set for release in July 2024.
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