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Series Mag (France)
January/February 2005
Michael Vartan interview from December 2004
Thanks to Julie for the scan (410 KB)! Thanks to Freelancer21; JO, Vartan Ho #1753; Sandrine; and Jennifer F. for the translation!
Ho note: This "interview" appears to be at least partially a hodgepodge of quotes from old interviews, with perhaps some new quotes, so take it with a grain of salt.
Just like his character in "Alias," Michael Vartan had a rocky year. After his break up with Jennifer Garner, persisting rumours had him leaving the series. So, are we going to see Vaughn again in Season 4? The answer is here.
Would you agree to talk about your break up with Jennifer Garner?
No. I wasn't answering that kind of question when we were together, so I have no intention of talking about it now. All I can say is that we have a lot of respect for each other. I know your readers would certainly like to know more, but there is no way that's going to happen.
In fact, our readers are worried about the breakup because some rumors say that the atmosphere on the set has become awful. Some even say that you are going to leave the show.
This is completely false. I'm still under contract and we have already shot numerous episodes of the series that will go back on the air in January in the United States. I'm in every episode so far and there is no reason for that to change. Moreover, a large part of the scenarios is devoted to the Sydney and Vaughn relationship, and I really don't feel like my character is going to disappear.
That's reassuring. Can you tell us about Vaughn's evolution in season 4?
He has become someone really different and that won't make his relationship with Sydney easier. His marriage to Lauren and her betrayal has made him a cynical, distrustful man. He has become a lot tougher and begins to resemble Jack. Vaughn and Sydney's dad now have a lot in common, and that will help them grow closer, which will cause Sydney to really worry. In season 1, Vaughn was really self-confident and knew he was doing something good at work. He doesn't see things in black and white anymore. He has become unpredictable and that's really interesting for an actor.
What do you think makes people become so passionate about the show?
The reason why fans don't get bored of this show is because we are telling the story of the constant evolution of the relationships between this woman and her father, and between this woman and her boyfriend. Of course these relationships are all complicated by the fact that they are all spies, but what interests the fans is the way those extreme situations will influence their relationship. The gadgets and special effects are amusing, but nobody watches a show for these reasons. The relationships are what interests people.
What do you think about the tabloids that spread rumors about the atmosphere on the set this season?
Generally it makes me laugh. If you take these rags seriously, it never ends. I hope the public realize that they write absolutely anything. For example, the other day I read on the National Enquirer's first page that I had fainted on the set and needed to be taken to the hospital because I was suffering from some mysterious illness. Of course, this was false. Truth was I was at a Los Angeles restaurant where I ate some not too fresh sushi and that I had to run to the bathroom to avoid vomiting in front of everyone. I didn't faint, my stomach was just upset.ĘThose papers can transform any small incident into a catastrophe. Really, it's better to laugh.
How do fans react when they see you?
I have to admit I'm often the target of hysterical fans. Last year, people on the street would constantly ask me, "How could you marry Lauren?" Those people were obviously referring to Vaughn, but I have to admit I was stupefied that some fans couldn't make the difference between my character and me! You know, I have no control of the storylines. I'm not the one who got the idea to marry Vaughn to Lauren. It's nice to love a show, but it shouldn't turn into an obsession! Often, I run into girls that throw themselves at me and paw me. I hate that. After all, we don't know each other
and we have not raised the pigs together! [Note: This is a typical French idiom.] (laughs) It would never come to my mind to hug my doctor, my banker or my mechanic, so I can't see why people would permit themselves to do that with actors!
If you weren't an actor, what would you be?
Frankly I don't know, but it would be something that didn't need any diploma because I have none.
Have you changed your habits since you became a celebrity?
No, I've never been a fan of the Hollywood parties and I'm not going more often now than before. The shooting of the show keeps me busy twelve hours a day and when I get some time off I use it for my favorite activity: hockey. I train two or three times a week, it helps me to evacuate stress. It actually gets my agent crazy, because I refuse to miss training to go to an audition. I agree to miss a game when shooting only, never for an audition. As you can see, I'm an actor who knows his priorities! (laughs)
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