The Safe House - Expositions - Exclusively Michael

Born in France from an American mother and a French father, Michael Vartan migrated to the US right after he turned 18. Discovered by most in Alias, it is hardly the Frenchie's first role. He did play with Drew Barrymore in Never Been Kissed... Interview!

ID card

Last Name : Vartan
First Name: Michael
Birth Date: November 27, 1968
Where: Boulogne Billancourt (Hauts de Seine)
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 1.83 m
Weight: 72 kg
Special peculiarity: Left-handed
Hobbies: Hockey, painting, guitar

An unusual journey

"My father Eddie who died last year was the brother of the singer Sylvie Vartan. So, I am David Hallyday's cousin! I grew up in the Normandy village of Fleury until my parents divorced when I was 5. My mother brought me to the US and I came back to France with my father from eleven to eighteen, when I moved back to live with my mother in Los Angeles. I believe it is harder to succeed without a degree in France than it is in the US. There are more opportunities there for young people."

A TV shows specialist!

"After acting in 2 small French movies ( Un homme et deux femmes and Promenade d'ete), I caught the attention of producers after my performance in Fiorile for which I got a nomination for the Cesars in the most promising actor category. Soon after, I got a part in To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newar than in the Curve with the pretty Kerri Russell (Felicity) and Matthew Lillard (Scooby Doo). More recently I played with Drew Barrymore in Never Been Kiss and I was lucky enough to be Madonna's ex in The Next Best Thing. Smaller parts were also offered to me in Friends and Ally McBeal. A dream come true!"

His first scene

"I started taking acting class by curiosity. I will always remember the first scene I was asked to play , Al Pacino in Scarface! Little Frenchie had to play a Cuban dealer!" (Laughs)

One Hour Photo

"In my latest movie, One hour Photo, I play opposite Robin Williams! He is a guy who works in a photo-lab. He has decorated his apartment with pictures of my family since I am a loyal customer. One day he finds shots which are showing me committing adultery. In dismay, he decides to take action. The movie won 3 prizes at the latest Deauville Film Festival"

"David Hallyday? He's my cousin!!!"

Having a Blast!

"For me, working on Alias is a dream come true! I work 3 to 4 days a week. It is the ideal job. I go to work at 4 am whistling. It is the first time I am so enthusiastic when thinking about going to work. No other role has ever made me so proud than playing Vaughn. I don't know if you have seen all the flops I played in before? You missed nothing anyway. (Laughs)"

Double Agent

I play the part of agent Vaughn who recruits Sydney. I was the one to teach her how to act as a double agent. After having discovered that SD-6 acted against American interests, Sydney joins the CIA while reporting on SD-6 ."

Harassed by his fans

I am the target of hysterical fans! Sometimes, people coming out of nowhere are jumping on me and grabbing me! I ask them then to remove their hands because I don't know them. We did not raise pigs together! I would never grab an office clerk, a racecar driver or a doctor. So I don't see why people would mug an actor!" (Laughs)

Celebrity Hazards

"It might sound crazy, but if I could find a way to earn millions and become completely unknown, I would use it, right now! What I mean is that it is good to be known for what you do but with this job, if you become famous, the consequences are difficult to digest. The public never tells me I am doing a good job. Most of the times I just hear hysterical screams! But it is how I earn my living and at 34 years old I don't want to worry about which school I will be able to afford for my children well, when I will have them!" (Laughs)

Experienced Biker

"I have been a motor-bike enthusiast since I was a kid. My cousin David was the one to get a bike first because he was older ! But I caught up when my Dad offered me a bike of the Italjet brand. It was extremely powerful and was making so much noise that neighbors from 3 miles away were complaining since it was so unbearable."

In playing agent Vaughn in Alias, Michael Vartan has become famous worldwide.

Stars before their time!

"David and I have spent all our childhood in Eure. At that time, we already were performing for our parents who had to pay us 10 Francs (a little over a buck) to see us. And Julie, our friend, was dancing and singing. We were placing chairs and dividing the living room in two with a curtain. A small show in a way. We were also reviving some scenes of Louis de Funes in La folie des grandeurs or la grande vadrouille. Crazy!"

Where to write to him?

C/ O Stephen Hanks Management
252 N. Larchmont Blvd
Suite 201, Los Angeles, CA 90004
USA

What's new?

-- On September 14, the Alias team won 2 Emmy awards: best direction and best art direction.

-- For the second season that is being shot right now, one of the actors, Kevin Weisman (Marshall) has announced on the site scifi.com that even David Bowie could make a short appearance! He also said that there will be more gadgets and that Jennifer Garner could drive a special slide which can speed up to over 200 km/h. What a plan!

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