Kevork Malikyan: ‘My Work is International; My Work is Global’

There is no such thing as a “small part” in my actor’s world… Forty years on the film, and, the Prosecutor, is, still, remembered. So, it could not have been a “small part.” Steven Spielberg remembered me in the film when I met him for “Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade.”

 How was it to work with Steven Spielberg?

We established a wonderful working relationship from day one, as he did with all the players. A great man, a great director…George Lucas, Robert Watts, the producer, too.

You worked with legendary film stars like Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Harrison Ford, Anthony Hopkins, Sigourney Weaver, Michael Caine, Steven Seagal, etc. What kind of memories you can share with us about them?

Forgive me, but, Steven Seagal “legendary,” please !!!! I only worked on the film, because, I wanted to please my son, Sevan, who enjoyed his action work. Anyway, not a very pleasant experience, because, the man is not an “actor”… But, Connery, and, Ford, true legends, great humans and wonderful working actors…

You have performed in a number of Shakespeare plays, as well as in a number of roles in the Royal Shakespeare Company production. As far as I know, you are the first Armenian-born actor who has been involved in those theaters. What was special in this cooperation?

Indeed, my friend, I was privileged to have been asked to work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe, and, the Royal National Theatre, on several terrific classical, and, modern plays…Perhaps, the first Armenian to do so… Let’s say the first Armenian Actor from Dikranagerd to do so, anyway…

You acted roles of different ethnic background, including Armenians (“The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles,” “Pascali’s Island,” “The Cut,” “The Promise”). Could you please tell us about them?

It was of course a great chance, at the late stages in my acting career to have been given the chance to play in films, like “The Cut” and “The Promise.” Both, huge attempts to tackle the Genocide of Armenians in, 1915, in which my own relatives perished. We can go on talking about both films for endless hours. But, for me, neither, achieved the desired international effect, recognition, the full story of the Armenian Holocaust as, my favorite Director, Steven Spielberg achieved with his “Schindler’s List,” so emphatically.

 Have you ever visited Armenia? If no, you are always welcome.

Sadly, I have only visited Armenia once, very briefly, and, that was to arrange for Armenia (Sundukyan Theatre Company) to take part, to appear in Shakespeare’s Globe, “Globe to Globe” Festival, where Shakespeare’s 37 plays were performed in 37 different languages, including, Armenian. Another first, perhaps.

After a half century successful career in United Kingdom you decided to return to Turkey. Many perhaps have been surprised by this decision.

My dear Artsvi, my work is International; my work is global…It should not surprise anyone that I worked in Turkey. The country I was born in invited me to work with them, and, over a span of 5 years I worked on several major theatre, TV, and, film projects. This opportunity gave me the chance to give several, major TV, and, newspaper interviews, where I talked about my people, my past, etc. Thanks to the Hrant Dink Foundation, I ended up celebrating 50 years in acting over a three-day festival of my work. It was simply magical. I cannot thank them enough. For the record, I have never been invited to work in Armenia, not even as a juror on the yearly film festival there. But, no probs, work goes on, life goes on…

 And what do you do now?

Sort of semiretired now. But, still working, with some projects to be screened sometime this year, I believe.

Many thanks for this interview, dear Kevork. And I highly hope one day you will fill a book telling about your life and acting experience!