A native of Moscow, Russia, distinguished thespian Pasha D. Lychnikoff received formal training at the Russian Academy of Dramatic Arts (AKA GITIS) before emigrating to the United States in the 1990s and establishing himself as an American character actor. As such, Lychnikoff generally placed equal emphasis on film, television, and theater. Feature films in which Lychnikoff appeared included Miami Vice (2006), Trade (2007), and Fun With Dick and Jane (2005); he also made guest appearances on a myriad of primetime series dramas including The Shield, CSI: Miami, NYPD Blue, and Without a Trace, and remained active as a Los Angeles-area theatrical producer. In 2007, Lychnikoff signed on for a supporting role in Wayne Wang's gentle, slice-of-life drama A Thousand Years of Good Prayers.