Peter Stormare‘s portrayal of Milos ‘Berlin’ Kirchoff in The Blacklist solidified his status as a versatile and captivating actor. Peter Stormare has been one of my favourite actors – especially as bad guy. As one of the most enigmatic and dangerous criminals on the show, Berlin’s complex motivations and strategic mind made him a formidable adversary for Raymond Reddington and his team.
Key Takeaways:
- Peter Stormare played the iconic role of Milos ‘Berlin’ Kirchoff.
- Berlin’s character was a master strategist and a formidable opponent.
- His relationship with Raymond Reddington was marked by a complex dynamic.
- Stormare’s performance earned him critical acclaim and fan admiration.
- Berlin’s legacy impacted the show’s narrative.
Other key cast of The Blacklist:
- Megan Boone as Elizabeth Keen
- Blacklist Actors: Ryan Eggold as Tom Keen, The Blacklist’s Charismatic Enigma
- Brian Dennehy as Dominic Wilkinson, The Blacklist’s Patriarch
- James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington
- Clark Middleton as Glen Carter, The Blacklist’s Quirky Fixer

Photo credits: Simon Cederqvist / TV3, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. The image is modified with AI to expand the sides.
Milos ‘Berlin’ Kirchoff’s Role in The Blacklist
Introduced in the series’ second season, Berlin quickly established himself as a major antagonist. As a former KGB agent turned international criminal, he possessed a wealth of knowledge and experience that made him a formidable force. His strategic mind and ability to manipulate others from behind the scenes made him a constant threat to Reddington and his allies.
Key Storylines
Berlin’s storylines were often marked by his complex schemes and strategic planning. He was involved in a number of major criminal enterprises, including the trafficking of nuclear weapons and the manipulation of world leaders. His interactions with Reddington were particularly intriguing, as the two men engaged in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Milos ‘Berlin’ Kirchoff’s relationship with Raymond Reddington
The relationship between Berlin and Reddington was a complex and often adversarial one. While they shared a mutual respect for each other’s abilities, their differing ideologies and goals frequently brought them into conflict. Their interactions were marked by a tense dynamic, as they each sought to outmaneuver the other in their pursuit of power and influence.
Peter Stormare’s Performance in The Blacklist
Stormare’s performance as Berlin was nothing short of exceptional. He brought a chilling intensity to the role, capturing the character’s intelligence, cunning, and ruthlessness. His delivery of lines was impeccable, and his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle nuances made his performance all the more captivating.
Legacy of Milos ‘Berlin’ Kirchoff
Even after his death in the series, Berlin’s legacy continued to impact the show’s narrative. His strategic mind and manipulative tactics left a lasting impression on the characters and the world of The Blacklist. His death served as a reminder of the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the criminal underworld.
What has Peter Stormare done outside The Blacklist?
Peter Stormare is a versatile Swedish actor known for his distinctive voice and intense on-screen presence. He has appeared in a variety of notable films and TV series across genres, often portraying enigmatic and menacing characters.
- Fargo (1996) – Stormare gained widespread recognition for his role as Gaear Grimsrud, a cold and silent hitman, in the Coen Brothers’ dark crime comedy Fargo. His portrayal became iconic, contributing to the film’s critical success.
- The Big Lebowski (1998) – In another collaboration with the Coen Brothers, Stormare played one of the eccentric nihilists in the cult-classic comedy Fargo. His quirky and bizarre performance left a lasting impression on audiences.
- Armageddon (1998) – Stormare played Lev Andropov, a Russian cosmonaut, in Michael Bay’s disaster film Armageddon. The film was a box office hit, and Stormare’s character added comic relief in the tense space action setting.
- Minority Report (2002) – Directed by Steven Spielberg, Stormare portrayed Dr. Solomon Eddie, a shadowy underground surgeon. The film is a sci-fi thriller about pre-crime technology, and Stormare’s brief but memorable role adds to the film’s dystopian tension.
- Prison Break (2005-2009) – In this popular TV series, Stormare portrayed John Abruzzi, a ruthless mob boss incarcerated in Fox River prison. His portrayal of Abruzzi became one of the show’s standout performances.
- John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) – Stormare appeared as Abram Tarasov, a Russian crime lord, in John Wick: Chapter 2, the action-packed sequel starring Keanu Reeves. Though his role is brief, he is a notable figure in the film’s larger criminal world.
- American Gods (2017-2021) – In this TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel, Stormare played Czernobog, a Slavic god of darkness. His performance is intense and captivating, contributing to the mystical and dark tone of the series.
Throughout his career, Peter Stormare has established himself as a talented character actor with a diverse range of roles, from villainous to eccentric, across both film and television.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who played Milos ‘Berlin’ Kirchoff on The Blacklist? Peter Stormare played the role of Milos ‘Berlin’ Kirchoff.
- What was Milos ‘Berlin’ Kirchoff’s primary role in The Blacklist? Berlin was a major antagonist and a formidable criminal mastermind.
- What was the nature of the relationship between Milos ‘Berlin’ Kirchoff and Raymond Reddington? Their relationship was complex and often adversarial, marked by mutual respect and a constant power struggle.
Peter Stormare’s portrayal of Milos ‘Berlin’ Kirchoff was a tour de force that elevated The Blacklist to new heights. His character’s intelligence, cunning, and ruthlessness made him a captivating and unforgettable villain.