Vladimir Kulich

Vladimír Kulich (born 14 July 1956) is a Czech-Canadian actor.

He is known for his roles as Buliwyf in the film The 13th Warrior, Tiberius in the film Ironclad, Erik in the television series Vikings, as well as the voice of Ulfric Stormcloak in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and as The Beast in the television series Angel. In 1995 he appeared as Olafsson in the X-Files episode "Død Kalm."

While living in Montreal, Quebec, Canada as a young adult, he was a professional ice hockey player. He has often volunteered in celebrity charity games including skating with the Los Angeles Kings Alumni Association.

Early life (1956–1977) Kulich was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia to a family that was already involved in the acting industry. His uncle operated a theater company in the city, which allowed the young Kulich to experience what the stage was like. Kulich visited the theatre often, He began by performing in various small parts in the State Theatre of Czechoslovakia. His first paying job as an actor was in a low-budget Czech film as a crying boy who had lost his balloon. over the course of the next ten years. with Angel co-star Charisma Carpenter. He was also a noted guest at the June 2005 Starfury: Quor'Toth convention in London, England. In May 2004, Kulich again signaled his intention to give back to fans and aspiring artists alike by signing on as a guest speaker for 15 Minutes Plus, an entertainment industry symposium that took place at the University of Southern California and offered workshops and demonstrations on such topics as film, theatre, music, animation and screenwriting.

Kulich returned to acting in late 2005 when he was offered the role of the enigmatic character known only as The Swede in the action movie Smokin' Aces. Though his screen time was limited, he was a significant figure within the context of the film's story. Upon first meeting with Kulich, Joe Carnahan, the project's writer and director, professed his admiration for the actor's work in The 13th Warrior and did not hesitate in offering him the job. When released in theaters in early 2007, Smokin' Aces was considered a moderate financial success and has since garnered even greater attention on DVD. A direct to DVD prequel has been announced for which Kulich has been approached. Kulich intends for the venture to provide assistance to foreign companies seeking to utilize his homeland for future film projects.

In 2011, Kulich voiced Ulfric Stormcloak, the leader of the Stormcloak rebellion, in Bethesda Softworks' critically acclaimed video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Other interests, activities, and charity appearances As a result of his travels, Kulich speaks four languages fluently—Czech, French, English, and Hungarian.

A devout dog lover, especially of large breeds His dog Spanky, a 95 lb pit bull terrier, was permitted to visit Kulich on the set of Angel during his last day of filming for the series and was welcomed warmly by series star David Boreanaz, who also has a soft spot in his heart for canines. Additionally, the actor has developed a profound appreciation for architecture, and has participated in several house renovation projects. Though he has been trained to tackle woodworking and electrical tasks, his favorite aspect is house redesign, which includes such major alterations as removing walls to add more space. The work has helped to supplement his income at times and has proven to be therapeutic as well. Kulich has also taken the time to indulge his musical side by learning to play the guitar. He has written songs for the instrument, though strictly for his own amusement.

Kulich has been an aficionado of motorcycles for many years, an interest that his father also shared. The actor did, however, suffer a rather serious motorcycle accident in late April 2007 while riding in Prague. His injuries, which included a ruptured spleen and five broken ribs, required a three-day hospital stay that was extended to ten days after he suffered an allergic reaction to the pain medication he was being given. On reflection, Kulich views the incident as a life-changing experience and has stated his gratefulness for having survived it.

Filmography

+ Television Year Title Role Note1989 Booker Craven Episode: "Flat Out" Wiseguy Scarpo Episode: "A Rightful Place" MacGyver Hans Kreese / Mr. Mammon Episodes: "Fraternity of Thieves", "Legend of the Holy Rose: Part 1" and "Legend of the Holy Rose: Part 2" Neon Rider Episodes: "Dude: Parts 1 & 2" (Pilot movie)1992 Knots Landing Thug Episode: "Baths and Showers" Highlander Pauling Episode: "A Bad Day in Building A" The Commish Otto Episodes: "Adventures in the Skin Trade: Part 1" and "Adventures in the Skin Trade: Part 2"1994 M.A.N.T.I.S. Liakos Episode: "Gloves Off"1995 The X-Files Olafsson Episode: "Død Kalm"1999 Seven Days Ivan Mironov Episode: "Sister's Keeper"2002–2003 Angel The Beast Episodes: "Spin the Bottle", "Apocalypse, Nowish", "Habeas Corpses", "Long Day's Journey", "Awakening", "Soulless", "Calvary" and "Salvage"2013 Vikings Erik Episodes: "Wrath of the Northmen", "Dispossessed" and "Trial"

+ Video games Year Title Role Note 2011 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Ulfric Stormcloak Voice 2013 Tomb Raider Nikolai / Solarii Voice 2023 Starfield Evgeny Rokov / Terrormorph Thrall (Male) Voice