If you happened to be in Moscow’s iconic Red Square recently, you might have spotted a very recognizable — and much-changed — figure making his way through the crowds.
Steven Seagal, the once lean and muscular action star famous for his martial arts films, showed up looking quite different than the days when he starred in hits like Under Siege.
At around 400 pounds now, Seagal proudly displayed his large frame while wearing a striking Japanese-inspired kimono as he came out to support Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.
From Hollywood Icon to Russian Citizen
Seagal’s transformation isn’t just physical. Since 2016, he’s been a Russian citizen and has largely stayed out of the public eye, avoiding social media and Hollywood for the most part.
Despite this retreat, he hasn’t shied away from showing his support for Russia, especially during major national events like this month’s Victory Day — the annual celebration marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
A Bold Fashion Statement and Changed Look
In the exclusive footage captured by the Daily Mail, Seagal walks confidently through the crowd dressed in an embroidered kimono layered over a Mandarin-collared shirt and a religious white-beaded necklace.
His once thick ponytail is now reduced to frayed strands, showing just how much time has passed since his peak action-star days.
Victory Day’s Grand Military Parade
The Victory Day parade in Red Square is a spectacle — with armored vehicles rumbling across the cobblestones and soldiers marching in perfect formation, all watched by world leaders who support Russia.
Seagal stood nearby a Russian nationalist biker gang known as the Night Wolves, staying true to his reputation as one of Russia’s most vocal celebrity supporters.
Seagal’s Role in Russian Propaganda
In recent years, Seagal has appeared in Russian propaganda, including a 30-minute documentary released last October that followed him touring Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.
The film controversially claimed Ukrainian soldiers committed crimes against civilians, a narrative widely disputed by independent sources.
The documentary also didn’t hide Seagal’s significant weight gain, a far cry from the fit fighter audiences remember.
A Reinvented Image Far From Hollywood
Once known for his martial arts prowess and tough-guy roles, Seagal has reinvented himself as a staunch defender of Vladimir Putin.
His dedication was clear in May 2024 when Putin personally awarded him the Order of Friendship — an honor marking Seagal’s outspoken support for the Russian leader.
At the ceremony, Seagal made false claims about Ukraine that reflect the Kremlin’s official line.
From American Star to Russian Loyalist
The actor’s shift to Russia came amid serious legal troubles back in the U.S.
The Los Angeles District Attorney was investigating Seagal over decades-old sexual abuse allegations, though the case was eventually dropped due to time limits.
These accusations, combined with stories of a hostile work environment and physical abuse of stuntmen on set, have long shadowed his career.
Seagal’s Troubled Reputation in Hollywood
Colleagues have painted a grim picture of Seagal behind the scenes.
Actor John Leguizamo, who worked with him in the ‘90s, called him a bully, recounting how Seagal reportedly hit stuntmen until another stuntman stepped in to stop him.
Even Saturday Night Live struggled with Seagal’s difficult behavior during his notorious hosting stint in 1991.
An Unexpected Friendship with Jean-Claude Van Damme
Despite burning bridges with many in Hollywood, Seagal has apparently patched things up with longtime rival Jean-Claude Van Damme.
The two were spotted together at Seagal’s 73rd birthday party earlier this year, with Van Damme publicly calling Seagal his “good friend.”
Fans were surprised by the reunion, initially questioning whether the footage was real — but Seagal’s official account confirmed it was.