Pirogov was born in Tehran, Iran, to a Russian family.

His father worked in the field of foreign trade, engaged in the export and import of heavy road and construction equipment.

Pirogov studied in a theatre studio under the leadership of Sergei Kazarnovsky and also graduated from music school[clarification needed].

His parents saw a future for him in a more serious profession, wanting their son to study at university.

However, the decision was already made, and in 1994 Pirogov graduated from the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute school (the course of Vladimir Ivanov).