Steven Seagal, who got famous in the 1990s for a slew of tough-guy martial arts roles but has in recent years became an envoy for the Russian defense industry, just became a Russian citizen.
According to the official website for the Kremlin, Seagal met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday and received a Russian passport and Russian citizenship.
“You have many friends in this country and you have professional plans as well,” Putin said, according to a transcript of their meeting. “Naturally, Russian citizenship and a Russian passport will make it easier for you to meet your friends and carry out your plans.”
Seagal, after thanking Putin in Russian, signed the document, then was asked by Putin what his plans were.
“Everything is good,” Seagal responded. “We will talk later about the world, but for now I am just honored to be here, and I am so happy to see you again.”
In 2013, Seagal agreed to appear in advertising on behalf of the Degtyaryov factory, which makes machine guns and rifles. The actor has also had a series of meetings with Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Seagal told a TV station around that time that he had Russian relatives and had an affinity for the country.
“I’m Russian, I love Russia, I love Russian people, and I love your president. I really like that he does so much to support martial arts in Russia.”
