Andrey Ivchenko’s Grigori famously went head-to-head in a fight to the death against Jim Hopper in Season 3 of Stranger Things, but in the years that followed, the actor faced his own harrowing battle in his personal life. He was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer called grade 2 chondrosarcoma, which required him to undergo a grueling surgery to receive a 3D-printed titanium prosthetic pelvis and a full hip replacement.
Despite the time that’s passed since filming, Ivchenko exclusively tells MovieWeb the bonds he made during his time on the show have remained deeply important to him throughout his difficult recovery.
“When I first came to set during Season 3, everyone welcomed me into the Stranger Things family like I had always been there — I never felt like an outsider,” Ivchenko shares. “It was truly magical from start to finish. Spending seven months filming on location gives you a chance to really get to know each other and bond … I still keep in touch with several of them.”
Andrey Ivchenko’s ‘Stranger Things’ Family Supported Him After His Diagnosis
Earlier this year, Ivchenko told Life & Style that after his cancer diagnosis, he received heartfelt notes and videos full of well-wishes from executive producer Shawn Levy and several cast members, including Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Gaten Matarazzo, Brett Gelman and more. During his sit-down with MovieWeb, he reveals the messages of love and support felt like “little lifelines” in a tumultuous time.
“What I never expected was the outpouring of warmth from my former ‘Stranger Things’ castmates and producer Shawn Levy. And the fans… even complete strangers… showed up for me with a kindness I will never forget.”
Last year, prior to his surgery, he reunited with several of his former costars and was even able to meet other actors from the Stranger Things universe for the first time while attending an event in Georgia.
“It’s really wonderful and endearing to have that ongoing connection with them all. It’s always just smiles and hugs when we see each other, regardless of how much time has passed,” he adds. “The Stranger Things family has always been incredibly supportive, and that hasn’t changed, even after all this time. They will forever be a part of my life.”
Inside Andrey Ivchenko’s Recovery and Receiving the ‘Courage Award’
For Ivchenko, the recovery process has been “a journey of patience, acceptance, reflection, and perseverance,” but he’s already made major strides with physical therapy as he re-learns how to walk step-by-step. Going from using a walker, to crutches, and finally, graduating to a cane, his ultimate goal is to be able to walk unassisted by early 2026.
“Overall, I’m feeling so much better and genuinely grateful for the progress. It’s transformed me physically and mentally in ways I never could have imagined.”
Back in September, Ivchenko attended the Sarcoma Foundation of America’s annual gala in New York City with his orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Michael Duran, where he was given the “Courage Award” — an experience that he called “such an honor.”
“It was really special to share that moment with him and to give him all the credit he deserves for saving my life,” he says. “It’s such an incredible foundation.”
Noting he felt “proud” to be a part of such an “impactful night” for those who are affected by the rare form of cancer, Ivchenko encouraged anyone interested in getting involved to learn more on their website at curesarcoma.org.
- Release Date
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2016 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Writers
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Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock