Victor Dorobantu is a Romanian actor, magician, and hand performer who captured global attention playing Thing in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday. Born on March 5, 1997, in Ploiești, Romania, this 28-year-old multi-talented artist transformed from a professional illusionist into an international sensation.
With an estimated net worth of $850,000 and over 240,000 Instagram followers, Victor’s journey from local magic shows to working alongside Tim Burton represents one of Hollywood’s most unique success stories.
Table of Contents
Victor Dorobantu Quick Bio
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Victor Teodor Dorobantu |
| Stage Name | Victor Dorobantu |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Ploiești, Romania |
| Nationality | Romanian |
| Ethnicity | Romanian |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Religion | Christian |
| Profession | Actor, Magician, Hand Performer, Illusionist |
| Famous For | Playing Thing in Netflix’s Wednesday |
| Height | 6’2¾” (1.90 m) |
| Weight | 176 lbs (80 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair | Bald |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Fiancée | Miruna Mayra (Singer) |
| Net Worth | $850,000 (as of 2026) |
| @victor_dorobantu (240K+ followers) |
Who is Victor Dorobantu?
Victor Dorobantu is a Romanian actor and professional magician who achieved international recognition for his groundbreaking performance as Thing in the Netflix supernatural comedy series Wednesday. Unlike typical acting roles, Victor brought to life a sentient disembodied hand through exceptional hand dexterity, emotional expressiveness, and years of sleight-of-hand training.
Before his Hollywood breakthrough, Victor Dorobantu established himself as a respected illusionist in Romania, performing at prestigious venues like Teatrul Ancuța in Ploiești and appearing on the popular Romanian talent show iUmor. His unique combination of magic expertise and performance skills made him the perfect candidate when Tim Burton’s team searched worldwide for someone who could portray Thing with the same charm and personality that Christopher Hart brought to the 1990s Addams Family films.
What sets Victor apart from other actors is his unconventional path to stardom. While most performers spend years auditioning for speaking roles, Victor’s specialized talent allowed him to create one of television’s most memorable characters using only hand gestures and movements. His performance in Wednesday has been praised by critics and audiences alike, with many noting that Thing became one of the show’s emotional anchors despite having no dialogue.
Today, Victor Dorobantu represents a new generation of Romanian talent making waves in international entertainment. His success has inspired aspiring performers in Romania and demonstrated that dedication to a unique skill set can lead to extraordinary opportunities in the global entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Victor Dorobantu was born on March 5, 1997, in Ploiești, a city in south-central Romania known as the country’s oil capital. Growing up in this industrial hub, young Victor developed a fascination with magic and illusion that would shape his entire career trajectory.
Childhood in Ploiești
Victor’s childhood in Ploiești was marked by curiosity and creativity. His parents, Vali Dorobantu and Cornelia Dorobantu, supported his early interest in performing arts. While details about his siblings remain private, Victor has shared that his family played a crucial role in nurturing his talents and encouraging him to pursue his passion for entertainment.
From an early age, Victor was captivated by the art of magic. He spent countless hours practicing card tricks, sleight-of-hand techniques, and illusions. Local events in Ploiești provided his first stages, where he performed for small audiences and honed the hand control that would later define his acting career.
Educational Background
Victor attended Liceul Teoretic Alexandru Ioan Cuza for his high school education, graduating in 2015. During these formative years, he balanced academic studies with his growing reputation as a talented young magician in the Ploiești community.
After high school, Victor pursued higher education at Universitatea de Petrol și Gaze Ploiești (Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiești), where he studied Computer Science with a focus on the Economy of Trade, Tourism, and Services. He completed his degree in 2019, demonstrating that his interests extended beyond performance arts into business and technology.
This educational foundation in computer science and economics gave Victor valuable skills in understanding digital media, online presence, and business aspects of the entertainment industry. His technical knowledge would later prove beneficial when managing his social media presence and understanding the post-production processes used to bring Thing to life in Wednesday.
Early Interest in Magic
Victor’s passion for magic intensified during his teenage years. He began studying professional illusionists, learning from both Romanian magicians and international performers. His dedication to mastering sleight-of-hand techniques set him apart from hobbyist magicians.
By his late teens, Victor Dorobantu was performing at clubs, private events, and theatrical venues throughout Ploiești and broader Romania. His reputation as a skilled illusionist grew steadily, leading to opportunities that would eventually connect him with the entertainment industry at a professional level.
Victor Dorobantu’s Magic Career
Before becoming an international actor, Victor Dorobantu built a successful career as a professional magician and illusionist in Romania. His journey through the magic world laid the foundation for the exceptional hand control and performance skills that would later make him perfect for the role of Thing.
Professional Magician and Illusionist
Victor began performing professionally as a magician in his late teens and early twenties. He specialized in close-up magic and sleight-of-hand, developing an extraordinary level of finger dexterity and hand coordination. These skills required thousands of hours of practice, muscle memory development, and an innate understanding of how to make hand movements appear natural and expressive.
His performances at Teatrul Ancuța in Ploiești became regular engagements, where he entertained audiences with card tricks, coin manipulations, and illusions. The theatrical environment taught Victor how to read audiences, control pacing, and create emotional connections through performance—all skills that would prove invaluable in his acting career.
iUmor Appearance
One of Victor’s most significant early career moments came when he appeared on iUmor, Romania’s popular talent reality show. The program, which showcases comedians, performers, and unique acts, gave Victor national exposure in Romania. His performance demonstrated not just technical magic skills but also his ability to entertain and engage viewers through television—a medium quite different from live stage performance.
The iUmor appearance helped Victor build a following in Romania and established him as more than just a local performer. Videos of his magic performances began circulating on social media, expanding his reach beyond Ploiești and attracting attention from wider audiences.
Event Entertainment and Multiple Roles
Beyond stage magic, Victor worked various roles in the Romanian entertainment and service industries. He served as a Barman at NOIR Cocktail Bar and Irish Pub Ploiești – The ShamRock, experiences that taught him customer interaction and performance in casual settings. These jobs supplemented his magic income while allowing him to maintain connections in Ploiești’s entertainment scene.
From October 2020 to January 2021, Victor worked at SYKES Romania, and later joined BCR, gaining corporate experience that provided financial stability while he pursued his performance career. He also served as Ambasadorul Ploiestiului (Ambassador of Ploiești) at UNTOLD Festival in 2021, one of Romania’s largest music festivals, further raising his profile.
Transition Point
By 2021-2022, Victor had established himself as a versatile entertainer with exceptional hand skills. His combination of stage presence, technical mastery, and performance experience created a unique skill set. When Tim Burton’s production team began searching for someone to portray Thing in Wednesday, they specifically sought a magician with advanced hand control—someone who could make a hand appear to have personality, emotion, and character.
Victor’s years of magic training had prepared him perfectly for this opportunity, though he initially thought the casting call was a prank when he was first contacted.
Breakthrough Role as Thing in Wednesday
Victor Dorobantu’s life changed dramatically when he was cast as Thing in Netflix’s Wednesday, directed by Tim Burton. This role transformed him from a Romanian magician into an international actor, showcasing his talents to millions of viewers worldwide.
The Casting Process
When Tim Burton’s team began casting for Wednesday, they faced a unique challenge: finding someone who could bring Thing to life with the same charm and expressiveness that made the character beloved in the 1990s Addams Family films. Christopher Hart had set a high bar with his portrayal, and the production needed someone with extraordinary hand control and performance ability.
The casting team specifically searched for magicians and illusionists, recognizing that sleight-of-hand experts possess the precise finger control and hand coordination needed for the role. When Victor received the initial contact about auditioning, he genuinely believed it was a prank—the opportunity seemed too extraordinary to be real.
His audition process involved demonstrating various hand movements, showing emotional range through gestures alone, and discussing how he would approach bringing personality to a character with no face or voice. Victor’s years of magic performance had taught him how to make his hands expressive and captivating, exactly what Burton’s vision required.
Character Development
Thing isn’t just a hand—the character serves as Wednesday Addams’ loyal companion, confidant, and friend. In Burton’s adaptation, Thing plays a crucial role in the story, helping Wednesday solve mysteries, providing comic relief, and offering emotional support. Victor worked closely with Tim Burton to develop Thing’s personality and ensure consistency in the character’s movements and reactions.
Unlike acting with facial expressions or dialogue, Victor had to convey emotion, urgency, fear, excitement, and loyalty entirely through hand gestures and movements. This required an understanding of body language applied to a single hand, making every finger twitch and palm movement meaningful.
Victor studied the original Addams Family portrayals of Thing while also bringing his own interpretation to the character. He wanted to honor the legacy while creating a Thing that fit Burton’s darker, more nuanced vision for Wednesday.
Production Experience
Working on Wednesday gave Victor his first major experience on a large-scale television production. The Netflix series had a substantial budget, a large international cast including Jenna Ortega in the lead role, and Tim Burton’s meticulous directorial approach.
Victor collaborated with cast members including Jenna Ortega (Wednesday), Emma Myers (Enid), Hunter Doohan (Tyler), Percy Hynes White (Xavier), Georgie Farmer (Ajax), Joy Sunday (Bianca), Isaac Ordonez (Pugsley), and many others. Despite Thing being a non-speaking role, Victor’s performance chemistry with Jenna Ortega became one of the show’s emotional cores.
Critical Reception
When Wednesday premiered in November 2022, Victor’s performance as Thing received widespread acclaim. Critics and audiences praised how he made the character feel alive, sympathetic, and integral to the story. Many reviews specifically mentioned Thing as a standout element of the series.
The performance demonstrated that exceptional acting doesn’t require a face or voice—it requires skill, dedication, and the ability to connect with audiences through whatever tools are available. Victor’s background in magic proved essential, as few actors could have executed the role with the same precision and expressiveness.
Wednesday Season 2
Following the massive success of Season 1, Netflix renewed Wednesday for a second season. Victor reprised his role as Thing, with production extending his character’s involvement in the story. Season 2, with Part 1 released in August 2025, has given Victor more screen time and more complex sequences to perform.
The continued success of Wednesday has solidified Victor’s position in the entertainment industry and opened doors for future opportunities. His unique skills and proven ability to captivate audiences make him a valuable performer for projects requiring specialized physical performance.
How Victor Dorobantu Performs Thing
One of the most fascinating aspects of Victor’s work on Wednesday is the technical process of bringing Thing to life. Unlike traditional acting, this role required a unique combination of physical performance, visual effects collaboration, and post-production magic.
The Blue Chroma-Key Suit
To create the illusion of a disembodied hand moving independently, Victor wears a full-body blue chroma-key suit during filming. This bright blue costume covers everything except his hand, allowing visual effects teams to digitally remove his body in post-production, leaving only the hand visible on screen.
The chroma-key process is similar to green screen technology but uses blue to avoid color interference with the set and other actors’ costumes. Victor’s entire body—his torso, legs, other arm, and head—is covered in this blue suit, making him essentially invisible to cameras once post-production work is complete.
Prosthetic Wrist Stumps
To create the severed-hand appearance, prosthetic artists crafted realistic wrist stumps that attach to Victor’s hand. These prosthetics show the “cut” portion of Thing’s wrist, with detailed textures and coloring that make the severed effect convincing. The prosthetics move naturally with Victor’s hand, maintaining the illusion throughout scenes.
Physical Performance Challenges
Performing as Thing presents unique physical challenges. Victor must maintain uncomfortable positions for extended periods during filming. Because only his hand is visible in the final product, his body positioning doesn’t matter to the camera, but it matters greatly to him—he often contorts into awkward stances to get his hand in the correct position for a shot.
Extended takes with his hand raised, fingers spread, or positioned at odd angles can be physically exhausting. The precision required means Victor cannot simply relax between takes; he must maintain consistent hand positioning to ensure continuity across shots.
Emotional Expression Through Hand Movements
The most impressive aspect of Victor’s performance is conveying emotion through hand movements alone. He’s developed a vocabulary of gestures that communicate Thing’s feelings and intentions:
- Excitement: Rapid finger movements, bouncing palm
- Sadness: Drooping fingers, slow movements
- Anger: Clenched fist, sharp gestures
- Affection: Gentle touches, open palm
- Fear: Trembling fingers, hesitant movements
- Determination: Purposeful movements, extended index finger
Victor spent considerable time studying how people naturally use hand gestures during conversation and emotional moments. He incorporated these natural movements into Thing’s character, making the hand feel instinctively human despite being literally just a hand.
Collaboration with Visual Effects Team
Victor works closely with the visual effects team throughout production. They provide feedback on positioning, movement speed, and how certain gestures will appear once his body is removed. This collaboration ensures that Thing’s movements look natural and that the digital removal process doesn’t create odd visual artifacts.
The VFX team also adds shadows and environmental interactions to make Thing appear grounded in each scene. When Thing scurries across a table or climbs a wall, the visual effects enhance Victor’s performance with realistic shadows and physics.
Movement and Choreography
Many of Thing’s scenes involve complex choreography. When Thing runs, climbs, or interacts with objects, Victor must precisely control his hand movements while the camera tracks the motion. Some scenes required multiple takes to perfect the timing and emotional beats.
For scenes where Thing moves quickly across sets, Victor coordinated with camera operators and other actors to ensure smooth, believable movement. The collaboration between physical performance and camera work creates the illusion that Thing moves independently through the world.
Comparison to Christopher Hart
Victor has acknowledged the influence of Christopher Hart, who played Thing in the 1990s Addams Family films. Hart set the standard for the character, and Victor studied those performances while developing his own interpretation. However, Burton’s Wednesday required a slightly different approach—more nuanced, more emotionally complex, and integrated into longer narrative arcs rather than brief comedic moments.
While Hart’s Thing was primarily comedic, Victor’s Thing serves multiple functions: comic relief, emotional support, mystery-solving assistant, and action participant. This expanded role required Victor to develop a broader range of expressions and movements.
Working with Tim Burton and the Wednesday Cast
Victor’s experience on Wednesday extended far beyond the technical aspects of performing Thing. Working with director Tim Burton and a talented international cast provided invaluable professional growth and memorable collaborations.
Tim Burton’s Direction
Tim Burton, known for his distinctive gothic aesthetic and attention to detail, brought his unique vision to Wednesday. For Victor, working with Burton meant learning from one of cinema’s most creative directors. Burton’s specific vision for how Thing should move, react, and contribute to scenes helped Victor refine his performance.
Burton encouraged Victor to view Thing not as a prop or effect but as a character with agency, emotions, and importance to the story. This directorial approach elevated the performance and gave Victor the confidence to make bold choices in his portrayal.
Chemistry with Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega, who plays Wednesday Addams, developed strong on-screen chemistry with Victor’s Thing. Their scenes together required Jenna to react to and interact with Victor’s hand as if it were a full character, and she committed fully to this relationship. The friendship between Wednesday and Thing became one of the series’ emotional cores, surprising many viewers with its depth.
Victor and Jenna worked together to develop the rhythm of their interactions. Jenna had to time her reactions perfectly to Victor’s movements, while Victor had to respond appropriately to Jenna’s dialogue and expressions. This collaborative process created believable chemistry despite the unusual nature of their character dynamic.
Ensemble Cast Interactions
While Thing primarily interacts with Wednesday, the character also has moments with other cast members. Emma Myers (Enid), Hunter Doohan (Tyler), and other actors had scenes involving Thing, requiring them to react convincingly to a hand.
The cast’s professionalism and willingness to fully commit to these interactions helped Victor feel like a valued member of the ensemble. Despite playing an unusual role, he was treated as a full cast member with important contributions to the show’s success.
International Production Environment
Wednesday filmed in Romania, bringing Victor’s career full circle—he achieved international success while working in his home country. The production employed local Romanian crew members alongside international talent, creating a diverse, collaborative environment.
For Victor, filming in Romania meant working close to home and family while participating in a major international production. This unique situation allowed him to maintain connections with his Romanian roots while expanding his global profile.
Professional Growth
Working on a Tim Burton production with a substantial budget taught Victor about large-scale television and film production. He learned about different departments (camera, lighting, visual effects, post-production), observed professional actors’ techniques, and understood how a major streaming series comes together.
This education extended beyond his specific performance. Victor gained insights into the business side of entertainment, the importance of marketing and social media, and how streaming platforms operate. These lessons have helped him navigate his career following Wednesday’s success.
Victor Dorobantu Personal Life
Beyond his professional achievements, Victor Dorobantu maintains a relatively private personal life, though he shares select moments with his social media followers. His relationships, family connections, and life in Romania provide balance to his growing international career.
Relationship with Miruna Mayra
Victor Dorobantu is currently engaged to Miruna Mayra, a Romanian singer and songwriter. The couple’s relationship has become a source of joy for Victor’s fans, who appreciate the glimpses of their life together shared on social media.
Victor proposed to Miruna in February 2025, marking a significant personal milestone. The proposal was a romantic moment that Victor shared with his Instagram followers, receiving thousands of congratulatory messages from fans and fellow Romanian celebrities.
Miruna Mayra brings her own artistic background to the relationship. As a singer and songwriter, she understands the demands of an entertainment career and the irregular schedules that come with performing. This shared understanding of the creative industry has strengthened their bond.
The couple frequently posts affectionate photos and messages on Instagram, showing their travels, date nights, and everyday moments together. Their relationship began online, with Miruna making the first move to contact Victor—a modern romance story that resonates with their social media-savvy fan base.
Previous Relationship
Before his engagement to Miruna, Victor dated Eliza Chifu, a Romanian artist. Their relationship included memorable moments like a 15-hour first date and attendance at events such as the 2023 SocialPedia Christmas Party. While that relationship eventually ended, Victor has spoken positively about the experience and maintains respect for his past.
Family Life
Victor remains close to his parents, Vali and Cornelia Dorobantu, who supported his unconventional career path from the beginning. Growing up in Ploiești with their encouragement allowed Victor to pursue magic and performance rather than following a more traditional career trajectory.
Details about siblings remain private, as Victor chooses to keep certain family information out of the public eye. However, he occasionally references family gatherings and the importance of maintaining strong family connections despite his growing fame.
Life in Romania
Despite achieving international recognition, Victor continues to base himself in Romania. He splits time between Ploiești, his hometown, and Bucharest, Romania’s capital and entertainment hub. This connection to his Romanian roots keeps him grounded and maintains his cultural identity.
Victor’s decision to stay based in Romania rather than immediately relocating to Los Angeles or London demonstrates his commitment to his home country. He’s become a source of pride for Romanians, representing what’s possible when local talent gets international opportunities.
Private vs. Public Life Balance
While Victor shares aspects of his life on social media, he maintains boundaries around his privacy. He posts behind-the-scenes content from work, moments with Miruna, and glimpses of his daily life, but doesn’t overshare personal struggles or private family matters.
This balanced approach to social media allows him to connect with fans while preserving the sanctity of his personal relationships and mental health. As someone who achieved fame relatively quickly, Victor has shown maturity in how he handles public attention.
Interests and Hobbies
Beyond magic and acting, Victor enjoys typical activities of someone in their late twenties. He’s shared content about traveling with Miruna, exploring Romanian cuisine and culture, and spending time with friends from his pre-fame days in Ploiești.
His continued passion for magic remains evident, even as his acting career grows. Magic isn’t just Victor’s pathway to acting—it’s a genuine interest and skill he continues to practice and appreciate.
Physical Appearance
Victor Dorobantu’s physical appearance contributes to his unique presence both on-screen and in person. His height and distinctive look have become part of his public identity.
Height and Build
Victor stands at an impressive 6 feet 2¾ inches (1.90 meters), making him considerably taller than average. This height gives him a commanding presence in person, though viewers of Wednesday never see his full body on-screen, only his hand.
He weighs approximately 176 pounds (80 kilograms), maintaining a lean, athletic build. While his body isn’t visible in his most famous role, maintaining physical fitness helps with the demanding positions required during filming.
Physical Stats Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’2¾” (1.90 m) |
| Weight | 176 lbs (80 kg) |
| Hair | Bald |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Build | Athletic, Lean |
| Shoe Size | 8 US |
| Distinctive Features | Tall stature, expressive hands |
Distinctive Features
Victor’s most notable physical feature, professionally speaking, is his hands. Years of magic practice have given him exceptional hand strength, flexibility, and control. His fingers are dexterous and capable of minute, precise movements—qualities essential for both magic and his portrayal of Thing.
He maintains a bald head, which has become part of his recognizable appearance in public and on social media. His dark brown eyes convey warmth and intelligence in photos and public appearances.
Style and Presentation
In public appearances and social media posts, Victor presents a modern, casual style. He often wears contemporary streetwear, fitted clothing that suits his tall frame, and occasionally more formal attire for industry events and premieres.
His style reflects his age and cultural background—a blend of Romanian and international fashion influences that appeal to his diverse, global following.
Victor Dorobantu Net Worth
Victor Dorobantu’s financial success has grown significantly following his breakthrough role in Wednesday. His diverse income streams and smart career management have built a substantial net worth for someone in their late twenties.
Estimated Net Worth
As of 2026, Victor Dorobantu’s estimated net worth is approximately $850,000 USD. This figure represents a dramatic increase from his pre-Wednesday earnings as a Romanian magician and entertainer.
Income Sources
Victor’s net worth comes from multiple revenue streams:
1. Netflix Salary His primary income source is his salary for playing Thing in Wednesday. While specific contract details remain confidential, Netflix typically pays supporting cast members on major series competitive rates, especially for roles requiring specialized skills. With Wednesday becoming one of Netflix’s most successful series, Victor’s compensation likely includes base salary plus potential bonuses for the show’s performance.
2. Magic Performances Though now more focused on acting, Victor occasionally performs magic at private events and special appearances. These performances command higher fees following his Netflix fame, as event planners value his celebrity status alongside his magic skills.
3. Social Media and Brand Partnerships With over 240,000 Instagram followers and growing recognition, Victor attracts brand partnership opportunities. Romanian and international brands interested in reaching his demographic may collaborate with him for sponsored content, though he appears selective about these partnerships to maintain authenticity.
4. Public Appearances Convention appearances, fan meet-and-greets, and entertainment industry events provide additional income. As Wednesday’s popularity continues, demand for Victor’s presence at fan conventions and entertainment expos increases.
5. Previous Work While less significant financially, Victor’s previous roles in sales (DIGI Romania), customer service (SYKES Romania), and corporate work (BCR) provided income during his career-building years. These jobs are now part of his past as his entertainment career takes precedence.
Financial Growth Trajectory
Victor’s net worth has grown exponentially since 2022:
- Pre-2022: Estimated $50,000-$100,000 from magic performances and various jobs
- 2022-2023: Significant increase following Wednesday Season 1
- 2024-2025: Continued growth with Wednesday Season 2 and increased opportunities
- 2026: Current estimated net worth of $850,000
Future Financial Outlook
With Wednesday confirmed for additional seasons and Victor’s growing profile in the entertainment industry, his net worth is projected to increase substantially over coming years. Potential new acting roles, continued magic performances, and smart investments could push his net worth over $1 million by 2027.
His Romanian base keeps living costs relatively lower than if he lived in Los Angeles or London, allowing more efficient wealth building. However, as opportunities expand internationally, he may need to balance location decisions with career growth.
Comparison to Industry Peers
For a supporting cast member on a streaming series in their late twenties with one major credit, Victor’s net worth is strong. Lead actors on major Netflix series earn significantly more, but Victor’s specialized role and unique skills position him well for future opportunities.
Social Media Presence
Victor Dorobantu has built a substantial social media following, particularly on Instagram, where he connects with fans and shares his professional journey.
Instagram: @victor_dorobantu
Victor’s primary social media platform is Instagram, where he has over 240,000 followers as of 2026. His Instagram account (@victor_dorobantu) serves multiple purposes: connecting with fans, promoting his work, sharing personal moments, and building his brand.
Content Strategy:
- Behind-the-scenes photos from Wednesday filming
- Personal photos with fiancée Miruna Mayra
- Travel and lifestyle content
- Magic performance throwbacks
- Professional photoshoots
- Fan interaction through comments and stories
Victor’s Instagram posts typically receive thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, indicating strong engagement with his audience. He maintains an authentic, accessible tone rather than an overly polished celebrity persona.
Victor maintains a Facebook presence at facebook.com/victordorobantumagician, though it’s less active than his Instagram. The page connects with his earlier magic career and Romanian fan base, many of whom use Facebook more than Instagram.
Twitter/X
Victor has a Twitter/X account (@VictorDorobant4), though his activity there is limited compared to Instagram. The platform serves primarily as another touchpoint for fans and occasional professional updates.
YouTube
Victor has a YouTube channel (youtube.com/@victordorobantu7500) where he previously posted magic performance videos. While not highly active currently, the channel contains documentation of his pre-acting career and could become more active as he explores content creation opportunities.
Growth Since Wednesday
Victor’s social media following has grown dramatically since Wednesday premiered:
- Pre-Wednesday (2022): Approximately 20,000-30,000 Instagram followers
- Post-Wednesday Season 1 (2023): Growth to 100,000+ followers
- Wednesday Season 2 (2025): Surge to 200,000+ followers
- Current (2026): 240,000+ followers and continuing growth
Fan Engagement
Victor actively engages with his fanbase, responding to comments when possible and sharing fan art and tributes. This accessibility has built loyalty among his followers, who appreciate that he hasn’t let fame distance him from his audience.
His engagement with the Wednesday fan community specifically has helped maintain interest between seasons and built anticipation for new content.
International Reach
While Victor’s Romanian fans form his core audience, Wednesday’s global success has brought followers from around the world. His social media content reflects this international appeal, balancing Romanian cultural elements with universal themes that resonate across borders.
Complete Filmography
Despite his relatively recent entry into acting, Victor Dorobantu has built a focused filmography centered on his groundbreaking role in Wednesday, with a few additional credits emerging.
Television
Wednesday (2022-2025, Netflix)
- Role: Thing
- Seasons: 2 (ongoing)
- Episodes: 16+
- Character: Sentient disembodied hand, Wednesday Addams’ loyal companion
- Status: Active (confirmed for additional seasons)
This role remains Victor’s primary and most significant acting credit. His performance as Thing has defined his acting career and established him as a specialized performer in the industry.
Film
Rage (TBA)
- Role: Minor role
- Status: Post-production or upcoming
- Details: Limited information available
Angela (TBA)
- Role: Minor role
- Status: Post-production or upcoming
- Details: Limited information available
Soleil Noir (TBA)
- Role: Minor role
- Status: Post-production or upcoming
- Details: Limited information available
These film credits represent Victor’s expansion beyond Wednesday, though details remain limited. As his profile grows, more substantial film opportunities are likely to emerge.
Other Media
iUmor (Romanian TV)
- Appearance: Talent competition contestant
- Year: Approximately 2018-2020
- Role: Magician/Illusionist performer
- Significance: National exposure in Romania
While not traditional acting, his iUmor appearance demonstrated performance skills and comfort on camera, contributing to his readiness for acting opportunities.
Future Projects
As of 2026, Victor’s confirmed future work includes continued involvement in Wednesday for upcoming seasons. Industry rumors suggest potential additional projects capitalizing on his unique skills, though no official announcements have been made.
Fascinating Facts About Victor Dorobantu
- He Initially Thought His Wednesday Casting Was a Prank When Tim Burton’s team first contacted Victor about auditioning for Thing, he genuinely believed someone was playing a joke on him. The opportunity seemed too extraordinary to be real, especially for a Romanian magician with no major acting experience.
- His Education Has Nothing to Do with Entertainment Victor holds a degree in Computer Science with a focus on the Economy of Trade, Tourism, and Services from Universitatea de Petrol și Gaze Ploiești. This technical background gives him unique perspectives on digital media and the business side of entertainment.
- He Served as Ploiești’s Ambassador In 2021, Victor served as Ambasadorul Ploiestiului (Ambassador of Ploiești) at UNTOLD Festival, one of Romania’s largest and most prestigious music festivals. This role highlighted his status as a notable figure in his hometown even before his international breakthrough.
- His Fiancée Made the First Move Victor’s relationship with singer Miruna Mayra began when she reached out to him online. Their modern love story started digitally, eventually leading to their February 2025 engagement.
- He Worked Multiple Non-Entertainment Jobs Before Wednesday, Victor worked as a sales agent at DIGI Romania, at SYKES Romania, at BCR, and as a barman at NOIR Cocktail Bar and Irish Pub Ploiești. These diverse experiences kept him financially stable while building his magic career.
- Years of Magic Practice Created His Thing Skills Victor spent over a decade developing the exceptional hand control needed to play Thing. The role wasn’t acting training—it was thousands of hours of magic practice that prepared him for the opportunity.
- He Wears a Full Blue Suit on Set To create Thing’s disembodied appearance, Victor wears a head-to-toe blue chroma-key suit during filming, with only his hand exposed. This uncomfortable costume allows visual effects teams to digitally erase his body.
- His Height Surprised Wednesday Fans At 6’2¾”, Victor is considerably taller than most people realize. Since viewers only see his hand on-screen, many fans are shocked when they see full-body photos revealing his impressive height.
- He’s Part of Romanian Entertainment History Victor is one of relatively few Romanian actors to achieve major international success in Hollywood productions. His Wednesday role has made him a source of national pride in Romania.
- Thing Has No Dialogue, But Lots of Emotion Victor’s performance proves that exceptional acting doesn’t require words. He conveys complex emotions—fear, joy, sadness, determination, love—entirely through hand gestures, a skill few actors possess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Victor Dorobantu?
Victor Dorobantu is a 28-year-old Romanian actor, magician, and hand performer best known for playing Thing, the sentient disembodied hand, in Netflix’s Wednesday series. Born March 5, 1997, in Ploiești, Romania, he transitioned from professional illusionist to international actor through his breakthrough role working with director Tim Burton.
How old is Victor Dorobantu?
Victor Dorobantu is 28 years old as of 2026. He was born on March 5, 1997, making him a Pisces. He celebrated his 29th birthday in March 2026.
What is Victor Dorobantu’s net worth?
Victor Dorobantu’s estimated net worth is approximately $850,000 as of 2026. His wealth comes primarily from his salary for playing Thing in Wednesday, along with income from magic performances, social media partnerships, and public appearances.
Is Victor Dorobantu married or dating?
Victor Dorobantu is engaged to Miruna Mayra, a Romanian singer and songwriter. He proposed to her in February 2025. They are not yet married but planning their future together. Previously, Victor dated artist Eliza Chifu.
How tall is Victor Dorobantu?
Victor Dorobantu stands 6 feet 2¾ inches tall (1.90 meters) and weighs approximately 176 pounds (80 kilograms). His impressive height surprises many Wednesday fans who only see his hand on-screen.
How does Victor Dorobantu play Thing in Wednesday?
Victor performs Thing by wearing a full-body blue chroma-key suit that covers everything except his hand. Visual effects teams digitally remove his body in post-production, leaving only the hand visible. Prosthetic wrist stumps create the severed-hand appearance. His years of magic training provide the exceptional hand control needed to convey emotion through gestures alone.
What is Victor Dorobantu’s background before acting?
Before becoming an actor, Victor Dorobantu was a professional magician and illusionist in Romania. He performed at venues like Teatrul Ancuța, appeared on the Romanian talent show iUmor, and worked various jobs including sales agent, barman, and corporate positions while building his magic career.
Where is Victor Dorobantu from?
Victor Dorobantu is from Ploiești, Romania, a city in south-central Romania known as the country’s oil capital. He continues to base himself in Romania, splitting time between Ploiești and Bucharest despite his international fame.
What is Victor Dorobantu’s Instagram?
Victor Dorobantu’s Instagram handle is @victor_dorobantu, where he has over 240,000 followers as of 2026. He regularly posts behind-the-scenes content from Wednesday, personal photos with his fiancée Miruna Mayra, and glimpses into his life as a Romanian entertainer.
Will Victor Dorobantu return for Wednesday Season 3?
While Netflix has not officially confirmed Wednesday Season 3 at the time of this writing, Victor’s character Thing is integral to the series. Given the show’s success and Thing’s importance to Wednesday’s story, Victor is expected to return for any future seasons that Netflix produces.
What other movies or shows has Victor Dorobantu been in?
Besides Wednesday, Victor has minor roles in upcoming films including Rage, Angela, and Soleil Noir, though details about these projects remain limited. Wednesday remains his primary and most significant acting credit. He also appeared on the Romanian talent show iUmor as a magician before his acting career began.
How did Victor Dorobantu learn to control his hands so well?
Victor developed exceptional hand control through over a decade of practicing magic and sleight-of-hand techniques. Professional illusionists spend thousands of hours training their hands for precise, controlled movements. This magic background gave him the exact skills needed to bring Thing to life with personality and emotion.
Conclusion
Victor Dorobantu’s journey from Ploiești magician to international Netflix star represents one of entertainment’s most unique success stories. His dedication to magic created specialized skills that unlocked an opportunity most actors could never access—bringing a beloved character to life using only hand movements.
At 28 years old with an estimated net worth of $850,000, Victor’s career is just beginning. His engagement to Miruna Mayra, continued success with Wednesday, and growing profile in the entertainment industry suggest bright futures both personally and professionally. He’s proven that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary destinations, and that true talent—whether in magic or acting—will eventually find its audience.
Victor Dorobantu remains grounded in his Romanian roots while embracing international opportunities, serving as an inspiration for aspiring entertainers in Romania and beyond. His story reminds us that dedication to a unique skill, combined with opportunity and courage, can transform dreams into reality.