Tetiana Gaidar was born in Kyiv, Ukrainian where she lived with her two siblings and parents. At the age of 10, she enrolled in classical ballet education to pursue her mother’s dream to become a professional ballet dancer. As a teen, she attended the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and was recruited by a dance teacher named Sasha Bobick. By the age of 18, she became a choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance Ukraine. Alongside her dreams of being a professional dancer, she fell in love with the TV show X-Files, which motivated her to become an actress.
At this time Gaidar decided to leave her home in Ukraine behind to explore her acting career further in the US. Upon her arrival in Los Angeles, Tetiana booked an action film with Samy Naceri and was sent to 87Eleven and Taran Tactical to train for the role. No longer the pupil, but now the master, Tetiana has now become one of the trainers at Taran Tactical.
She has since worked with major figures such as: Kevin Hart, Keanu Reeves, Jon Bernthal, Josh Brolin, Jamie Foxx, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Olivia Munn, Kaley Cuoco, Ella Balinska, and many more for their upcoming projects. Tetiana’s first major role was in the final three episodes of Bosch: Legacy (Amazon Prime, Freevee) where she portray’s the show’s main antagonist, an assassin sent by Phil Morris to kill the main character played by Titus Welliver. Tetiana has made an additional appearance in Brunkala and Cash Collectors, as well as her appearance in the Netflix film Day Shift with Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, Dave Franco, Megan Good, and in the upcoming action/drama film, Get the Girl. Currently ,Tetiana is making her debut appearance in the video game Call of Duty: Warzone, Season 5 as Mila.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: You’re an immigrant to the US of Ukrainian heritage – could you tell us more about what inspired you to leap to move to America?
TETIANA GAIDAR: In a nutshell, it all boils down to two words: David Duchovny. Yes, that’s right, the iconic Mulder from X-Files and the unforgettable Hank from Californiacation. My journey began when I was just 10 years old. It was a typical day when my dad came home from work and switched on The X-Files, starring David Duchovny. Little did I know that this moment would change the course of my life.
I instantly fell in love with the show and David himself. I mean, how could you not? The X-Files wasn’t just a show for me, it was an introduction to English and American culture. I began learning English by watching the show with subtitles, and David became my first English coach. While growing up in Ukraine in a family of scientists, pursuing an acting career wasn’t exactly on the horizon for me. But The X-Files sparked a different dream within me, I wanted to become a secret agent.
Then, one day, I watched the movie John Wick, which featured a ballet storyline intertwined with John’s superhuman abilities, much like Mulder, Buffy, and Dark Angel. This film further fueled my determination to move to Los Angeles and chase my dreams. I distinctly remember sitting in the movie theater, thinking to myself that if I couldn’t become an FBI agent, I could strive to become a superhuman on the big screen. My goal was to tell their stories and inspire others to fight for justice and truth.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: As a choreographer, you’ve worked on So You Think You Can Dance and have worked with major players such as Jaimie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Dave Franco. Tell us more about your passion for the world of dance.
TETIANA GAIDAR: My introduction to the world of dance began when my mother enrolled me in ballet classes at an early age, nurturing dreams of me becoming a professional ballerina. I developed a deep love for dancing during my school years. However, a tragic event unfolded in my family just before I was about to start university. On the eve of my first day at university, I experienced a devastating loss when my boyfriend tragically drowned. This loss was a profound turning point in my life, teaching me the invaluable lesson of cherishing every moment and always expressing love and farewells to those we hold dear.
In university, a friend invited me to join her for the first hip-hop class in Kyiv, taught by Sasha Bobik. I immersed myself in the world of dance, studying American choreographers, and meticulously learning dance moves from Britney Spears’ music videos and tours.
Dance became my solace, helping me heal a broken heart and nurture my young soul, unprepared to face such a tragedy at such a tender age. Through dance, I swiftly forged a remarkable career in the Ukrainian showbiz industry. I found myself producing, choreographing, and collaborating with renowned artists, eventually earning opportunities to contribute to television shows like “So You Think You Can Dance.” Grateful for the doors dance opened for me, allowing me to travel across Europe, teach masterclasses, and establish my dance school, I yearned for more. This longing led me to explore acting in music videos and television shows, and eventually, I pursued formal training in drama and theater.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: What makes you feel your best and how do you include it in your work?
TETIANA GAIDAR: My well-being revolves around three core aspects: my health, my family, and my cherished animals. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a priority for me, encompassing various practices such as a nutritious diet and the absence of smoking, drinking, or harmful substances. Sleep plays a pivotal role in managing stress and feeling my best, with a target of 7-8 hours of restful sleep per night, supported by a consistent sleep routine, especially during demanding days on set.
My early years in America, driven by a bold decision to venture here independently, have left me with some health challenges. As a result, I adhere to a stringent dietary regimen, which can be particularly challenging when traveling or working on set. I firmly believe in the adage “we are what we eat,” recognizing that food and nutrition are paramount for both feeling and performing at one’s best. Nutrition is the cornerstone of health, impacting every facet of our lives. My dietary choices emphasize low sugar and carb intake, with a focus on high protein and nutrient-rich foods. My home is stocked with a plethora of healthy, organic options. I recently finished writing my little online book Tetiana’s Body Code which will be available online soon with some of my health hacks that helped me transform my body and health.
Pursuing work and hobbies that bring genuine happiness and inspiration, learning new skills, and fostering an open-minded and open-hearted outlook on life are key to my overall well-being. I am acutely aware that the five people I spend the most time with significantly influence my life on a subconscious level, underscoring the importance of carefully selecting my social circle.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: What is your favorite role or project that you worked on and why?
TETIANA GAIDAR: One of my most cherished and exhilarating experiences was my action role in the final three episodes of Bosch: Legacy (Amazon Prime). In this role, I portrayed the show’s main antagonist, an assassin named Cava, sent by Phil Morris to eliminate the main character played by Titus Welliver. This project provided me with an opportunity to delve into the world of action and intrigue and create one of the deadliest female-assigned characters of all time.
Following my work on Bosch: Legacy, I embarked on my creative journey by producing my short film titled Less than Words. The film explores the story of a rogue KGB assassin infiltrating an underground human trafficking ring in search of her lost sister and will be released later this year on YouTube.
Participating in the world of Call of Duty was a dream come true for me. My character, Operator Mila, in Season 5 of Warzone, Modern Warfare II & MWIII, marked a significant achievement in my career. To prepare for this role, I underwent intensive weapons training and martial arts with renowned trainers like Taran Butler and Armand Rabanal. This training went beyond choreography or stunts; it prepared me for real-world scenarios, bringing authenticity to my performance.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: How did you enjoy working on John Wick 4 and working with Keanu Reeves?
TETIANA GAIDAR: Working on John Wick 4 and collaborating with Keanu Reeves was an incredible and transformative experience for me. I had the unique opportunity to assist legendary world-class multi-gun champion Taran Butler at Taran Tactical Innovations in training Keanu for his role in the movie.
The first John Wick film had a profound impact on me and played a pivotal role in inspiring me to pursue a career in acting and move to California. When I had the privilege of working with Keanu Reeves himself, I had the opportunity to convey in person just how profoundly he had influenced my life. I shared my story with Keanu, recounting how his movie had empowered me to take a bold leap and relocate to another country, despite having no financial support, friends, family, or even fluency in the language. Keanu was genuinely touched by my story, and it brought him great happiness to learn that his work had empowered me to embark on such a transformative journey.
Keanu is not only a talented actor but also an exceptionally kind and humble man, as many have attested. When you converse with him, he genuinely focuses his attention on you, displaying a sincere interest in your thoughts and experiences. His kindness and humility serve as a profound source of inspiration for me as a young, aspiring actress.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: Who do you look up to and how do they inspire your career?
TETIANA GAIDAR: My sources of inspiration are deeply rooted in the people around me and the untold stories of my friends and family who have yet to find their voice. Their experiences inspire me to someday speak on their behalf, to embody the characters that represent them, and to share their narratives with the world.
Additionally, I draw immense inspiration from the remarkable Keanu Reeves and his groundbreaking work alongside Chad Stahelski and Taran Butler. Together, they have brought a wave of authenticity to Hollywood through their mastery of martial arts, dynamic fight sequences, and unparalleled weapon manipulation techniques that had not been witnessed before.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: Can you tell us about your experience working on Call of Duty: Warzone (Season 5) as Operator Mila
TETIANA GAIDAR: One of the key factors that led to me landing the role of Operator Mila in Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare II & MW III is my background as a professional actress. Viewers appreciate the character of Mila because they recognize that I possess the skills and capabilities to genuinely portray such roles. My proficiency extends to competitive martial arts and competitive shooting with real firearms, and I am not simply a character who carries a gun while looking attractive.
Booking a part in Call of Duty was indeed a challenging endeavor. It required a three-year commitment to secure my place in the game. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such a massive video game. The recognition I receive from people everywhere I go is a testament to the game’s status as one of the most renowned for its acting requirements and the depth of its characters. Call of Duty has transcended the realm of gaming to approach a level of cinematic quality in its storytelling and character development.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: What projects would you like to pursue in the future?
TETIANA GAIDAR: I would love to secure a leading role in a major action franchise in the upcoming year. It’s a dream of mine to collaborate in a blockbuster action franchise with esteemed actors such as Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Chad Stahelski, Johnny Depp or John Bernthal.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
TETIANA GAIDAR: My aspirations include venturing into production and potentially directing my projects. Alongside this, I hope to build a loving family of my own. Furthermore, I aim to be involved in films that shed light on the untold stories of individuals who lack a voice, with the ultimate goal of inspiring others and contributing to positive change in our world.
In the next five years, I envision a continuous journey of growth and self-improvement, striving to reach the highest potential within me and be the best version of myself. As I look ahead to the woman I aspire to become, I see roles beyond my career. I envision myself as a mother, a devoted partner, a leader, and a dedicated producer.
**Team Credits**
Production: @icon_pr
Photographer: @ben_cope
Stylist: @audreybrianne
Hair Stylist: @thesophiaporter
Makeup: @makeupbyemilydimant
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