In this episode of Navigating No, we sit down with Dmitrious Bistrevsky, the talented suit actor known for bringing Darth Vader to life in Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi series. From his beginnings in Spokane to working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names, Dmitrious’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and relentless dedication. He shares his path from gymnastics and breakdancing to circus arts and eventually making his mark in Hollywood as a sought-after suit actor.
Along the way, he navigated numerous “no’s,” using every rejection as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find new ways to succeed. Dmitrious’s story highlights the power of embracing failure, persevering through adversity, and bringing authenticity to every role—even when hidden behind a mask. Join us for an inspiring conversation that dives into the resilience and artistry required to transform challenges into opportunities and bring legendary characters to life.
Dmitrious Bistrevsky isn’t just a master at bringing iconic characters to life—he’s also channeling his creativity into the world of gaming with his passion project, FitChain. This innovative fitness game blends movement and play, encouraging users to stay active while having fun. Designed to make fitness engaging and accessible, FitChain combines Dmitrious’s background in physical performance and his love for interactive experiences, creating a game that motivates and connects people through movement.
Show Flow:
00:00 Introduction to Self-Belief and Doubt
00:35 Meet Dmitrious Bistrevsky: From Ukraine to Hollywood
01:23 The Journey to Becoming Darth Vader
01:40 A Heartfelt Welcome and Star Wars Fandom
02:18 Overcoming Failure Through Clown Training
02:39 The Power of Persistence and Passion
03:13 Comic Con Connections and Future Plans
05:30 Life in Japan: Documentary and Cultural Experiences
08:37 Returning to Spokane: Recognition and Reflections
11:58 The Harsh Realities of Pursuing an Acting Career
17:27 The Importance of Resilience and Adaptability
27:56 Embracing Failure: Lessons from Clown Workshops
31:56 Street Performing: A Humbling Experience
34:12 TEDx Talk: Overcoming the Unknown
43:46 Facing Rejection on Stage
44:45 The Journey to Casting for Darth Vader
45:58 Preparing for the Role of Darth Vader
47:24 The Audition Process and Challenges
49:08 Overcoming Setbacks and Embracing the Role
54:22 The Importance of Movement and Detail
57:24 Training and Perfecting the Character
01:14:38 Reflecting on the Journey and Personal Growth
01:18:34 Current Projects and Future Plans
01:29:45 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude