13 Video Game Characters You Didn't Realise Were Based On Real People

By Robert Zak /

10. Niko Bellic - Vladimir Mashkov

Before Michael Hollick became the voice of GTA IV protagonist Niko Bellic, Rockstar pursued the talents of Russian actor Vladimir Mashkov to voice him. Mashkov declined, but his physical appearance was kept on for the character of Niko Bellic. Mashkov has been in his fair share of gun-heavy thrillers - including Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol - so you can find plenty of pics out there of him wielding a similar arsenal to Niko, like the above pic showing Mashkov looking surly and murderous in Behind Enemy Lines.