Actor Vic Bagratuni Is Looking for His Own Hollywood

I had no knowledge of the passing of Dan Manoyan. What a terrible loss! My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. He was such a generous, passionate and kind soul, whose book not only gave voice to those who seemed forgotten, but also a significant contribution and valuable piece of documented American history. As to what happened to the feature film, I don’t have the slightest idea. We were ready to start the project, but it never happened. At least I had the privilege to have had visited Granite City, seen all the original places from the book and started my research. I still remember it being a brilliant movie script and I hope it will get made whenever, with whomever and by whomever. For the sake of Dan, Granite City and all fans of American underdog sportsmanship movies.

You were born into a family of musicians and you have artistes among your ancestors: great-grand father Vache Bagratuni and his brother Arsen Bagratuni were actors, great-grandmother Violeta Vardanyan was opera singer, while your grandfather Vahagn Bagratuni was an actor and renowned opera director in Armenia and Russia. When years ago we met in Yerevan, it was also nice to know that your maternal grandfather is Karen Svasyan, an eminent philosopher, now residing in Switzerland, an author of many studies in German and Russian. How has this heritage influenced you?

My artistic passion does have its roots in the past actions of my ancestors, for sure. Though I’ve never met any, besides my maternal grandfather, I’ve heard they were quite good at what they were doing. But I know they’re watching from high above. But moreover, I would definitely like to highlight the vast influence of my grandfather, whose guidance and never-ending support and unconditional love, have carried me through some rough patches in life. His knowledge is awe-inspiring, and his contribution by lecturing and writing books to educate a nowadays slowly mentally ill-falling society, has been a true source of inspiration and influence to me.

Is your being a descendant of Armenia’s Bagratuni royal dynasty a family legend or is it true?

As far as I know there’s evidence, but I wouldn’t go and dwell on it. It’s a cool fact and some might find it interesting or fancy to stand out with it, but I personally don’t sweat it. I know who I am, the people I love and care about know who I am, and that’s the most important.

You left Armenia when you were child, however along with English and German, Armenian and Russian are also among the languages you know fluently. How did you manage it?

That’s true, we left Armenia in 1992, but my parents taught never stopped talking to me in Armenian or Russian so that stayed. German I leant from a very young age on, so I was fortunate, considering how hard that language can be, and English I learnt in high school.

Now more Diaspora actors come back to Armenia to make films. Have you ever participated in Armenian projects?

No, I haven’t, although I recently connected with a young aspiring Armenian director, who is majoring in directing at the Babelsberg Konrad Wolf Film Academy. Who knows what will come out of it in the future.

My second son dreams of becoming a film actor, rather a film star! What would you advise him to do?

That’s a tricky question. It would be wrong to say becoming a movie star is a silver lining in the sky, nor would it be a bad thing to actively pursue. It depends what you want. Everything is possible, lots of paths lead to success and everybody’s journey is different. What stays the same though is a deep-rooted passion you need to have, which is vital to gain a thick skin to cope with rejection in a healthy way. The glamor, wealth, carpets, awards, pictures, stardom and whatnot will come. It’s rather unhinged collateral damage. It’s cool and enjoyable. But that’s about it. Let your work speak. Have a voice. Don’t get intimidated by the industry which will constantly diminish and reject you, try to mold and manipulate you to their own advantages and try to compartmentalize you, so it’s easy for them. But it’s about you, not them. Have faith. You are worth it. They are not. That’s what I would recommend to your son and anybody who has the desire and guts to try and follow their dreams.

Your Instagram name is Mr. Hollywood. I really wish you to be Mr. Hollywood in real life!

Although I disregarded that ridiculous insta handle a long time ago, I very much appreciate and regard your wishes. It’s a constant shifting and changing. Then young and childish, now mature and reflective. But especially after experiencing a worldwide pandemic, one was reminded that there are more important things than one’s own career and well-being. So, although I’ve wished myself to be Hollywood, I actually never was, but I always will aspire to be my own Hollywood.