Oleg Taktarov was born in the city of Arzamas-16, Gorky Oblast, RSFSR, USSR. Athlete, actor, TV presenter, film producer, director, public figure. World champion in mixed martial arts, prize-winner of many sports tournaments and competitions. He performed under the pseudonym "Russian Bear".

In 1994 he left for the USA to pursue a professional sports career. In 1996 he entered the Playhouse West theater academy in Hollywood (Los Angeles, California, USA), where he studied for six years, while simultaneously pursuing a sports career and acting in films (since 1997).