Putin worshipper and former Hollywood action star Steven Seagal has renounced his American citizenship to become a citizen of the Russian Federation last Nov. 3.

He was granted Russian citizenship by his "luchshiy drug" ("best friend"), Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he more than once praised as the greatest leader in the world.

Like Us on Facebook

The decree naturalizing Seagal published on the Kremlin website read: "Naturalized in Russia. Seagal Steven Frederic, born April 10, 1952 in the United States of America."

Seagal hasn't commented on his reasons for turning his back on the land that made him a millionaire and a household name, or when he plans to live in Russia. The Aikido martial arts expert and devout Buddhist, however, has appeared many times on Russian state television to shower praise on Putin.

In a 2013 interview with a state-owned TV channel, Seagal called Putin "one of the greatest world leaders if not the greatest world leader alive today."

"He cares more about Russia than anybody I know and he's not afraid to stand up and do what needs to get done," said Seagal.

In another interview in 2014, this one with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Seagal described Putin as "one of the great living world leaders."

Seagal, 64, said he "would like to consider (Putin) as a brother," and expressed support for Russia's armed conquest of Crimea.

Seagal has been insistent for a long time in asking to be granted Russian citizenship, said Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

"This (was his) desire, he had really applied. He had been really persistent for a long time and been asking to grant him citizenship," said Peskov.

"He is actually renowned for his quite warm feelings toward our country. He never made a secret out of it, at the same time he is quite famous, as you know, actor."

In August 2014, Seagal appeared at a Night Wolves-organized show in Sevastopol, Crimea supporting Russia's annexation of Crimea (which rightfully belongs to Ukraine) and depicting Ukraine as a country controlled by fascists. The Night Wolves are a jingoistic Russian motorcycle club ferociously loyal to Putin.

TagsSteven Seagal, Russian citizenship, Vladimir Putin, luchshiy drug, Kremlin, Hollowood star, Crimea