October 26, 2002

Michael Vartan: "For $600 I Became an Actor"

In Alias, Michael Vartan -- Sylvie's nephew -- is the fascinating CIA agent Vaughn. An up and coming role.

Journalist: You grew up in Fleury, Normandy. How did you end up getting a role in Alias?
Michael: My mother is American. Since I was young I did a lot of traveling between France and the U.S. I quit high school and I am not very proud of that, but it's easier to work in the U.S. if you don't have a diploma. I was in this small village doing nothing, and I decided to do nothing but in California.

Journalist: Did you want to become an actor?
Michael: I didn't have any idea about what I wanted to do.

Journalist: How did it happen?
Michael: My mother's boyfriend is a director. He gave me a part in a documentary. I didn't want to do it but he promised me $600. That made my decision!

Journalist: Do you see your aunt Sylvie and your cousin David very often?
Michael: No. I love them a lot of course, but they travel a lot and I am afraid of flying! David frequently goes to France for motor racing. He has a very international jet set life.

Journalist: What do you like about Alias?
Michael: I have a very exciting role to play, a CIA agent, I get to carry a gun... the casting is great too. We love each other a lot. I know all the actors say that but it's true, we sometimes all go out together.

Journalist: Vaughn, your character, is very attractive. Will there be any romance with Jennifer Garner's character Sydney?
Michael: Not for a long time. It's better for the suspense and the mystery if the relationship is like a forbidden fruit.

Thanks to Marie-Pierre for translating, and Lori at vartanetc.!

© Tele Poche (France) 2002

Back To Exclusively Michael 2002