Talent : Jack Topalian https://www.instagram.com/jacktopalian/
Featured Images : Ararel Photography
https://www.instagram.com/ararel_photography/
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You’ve appeared in a wide range of series, including NCIS: Los Angeles, True Detective, and The Blacklist. How do you approach stepping into such different worlds?
In all cases, the script provides details on what the show is about and who the characters are. If it's an existing show and I have not seen it, I will watch a few episodes or a season, to get the mood, feel of the show and the characters. Afterwards, I read the description of the character I will be playing and bring my own interpretation to it. Once on set, they are usually good with my presentation. If I’m asked by the director, to make adjustments in delivery, tone, etc.. I will do that, since I already have a good sense of who I’m playing. I’m all about collaboration and want to make sure I’m giving 150% and that the writers, producers and the director are happy with my performance.
What draws you to complex or morally ambiguous characters?
The fact that they are complex, is what makes it very interesting. Usually, these characters are very three dimensional and I try to give them more depth and feel, than what’s written on the page. Plus they are a lot of fun to play, since in 99% of the time, I’m nothing like the characters I portray. This gives me the opportunity to step into a world, which otherwise, I would never be a part of. It’s pretty cool when the audience sees me as believable, whether they like me or hate me on the screen. That means I’ve done my work correctly.
Do you follow a specific method when building a character from the ground up?
Usually everything is in the script and in the character description. Now, I try to make him real, in an imaginary circumstance. I try it different ways and create a backstory and/or motivation for my character’s actions and motives. At the end of the day, the Director will decide if this is what they want. The important thing is that whomever I’m portraying, is believable.
Joining Euphoria after its long hiatus, what struck you most about stepping into this world at this stage?
I honestly didn’t know what to expect or anything about the overall story of the season and the various characters. But once I was on set, I was immediately welcomed very warmly, by everyone, including Jacob, Sydney, Maude, Alexa and the rest of the cast & crew. They are like a family on set and I was very surprised to learn that not only the cast but 98% of the crew have worked together since the beginning of Season 1. That’s something you don’t hear everyday and for them to allow me into their world and treat me as an equal was an amazing feeling.
Season 3 moves beyond the high school setting. How does that evolution impact the tone of the story and your role within it?
The tone and feel is very cinematic and Sam Levinson has created a very cool and dangerous world, filled with great characters, story lines, high stakes and consequences and rewards. I feel I should be watching each episode in a theater because it gives me Tarantino meets Sergio Leone meets Breaking Bad vibes, in some ways. Even with my character Naz, he has a lot of humor with the way he eats or says things but he's dangerous guy for the people who are interacting with him. So, it is different from Seasons 1 & 2 but let's not forget that these high-school kids have now grown up and have to function in the real adult world and sometimes, things can become very unpredictable, hectic and dangerous.
The show is known for its emotional intensity. How did you prepare for that environment on set?
Sam really understands people and human characteristics and knows exactly what he wants from each of us and how he sees the world. I completely trusted his instincts and approach and I believe the end result speaks volumes, especially for my character, who is completely new to this world. I loved playing this guy!
What was it like working alongside Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, and Jacob Elordi?
I never got a chance to work with Zendaya or Hunter since our storylines are different. But working with Jacob and Sydney was pretty cool and lots of fun. They are the ultimate professionals in their craft and extremely well prepared. On top of that, they are great and relaxed on set and we got to hang out a lot, especially Jacob and me. I just love the guy. He’s a gem a human being.
Why do you think Euphoria continues to resonate so strongly with audiences?
Because the characters are real and the story line does not hold back. It’s raw and pure and the curtain is pulled back and we get to see each of the characters in their most primal and vulnerable state. Like I said before, Sam Levinson really understands people and human characteristics and it comes across when you watch the show. The audience wants to go on this journey to see how it will all end.
What drew you to Sugar and its neo-noir storytelling style?
I was a fan of Season 1 and I’ve been a huge fan of Colin Farrell for as long as I can remember. I think everything he does is magical and he's like a chameleon who disappears into each role and makes it seem believable. Sugar Season 1 has the noir style that I love and the story has a very unique and unexpected turn. So when the opportunity came up, I did not hesitate.
How does working within the neo-noir genre shape your performance choices?
Film noir is one of my all time favorite genres. The road map is in the script. I prepared like I always do and dove right in.
What was your experience working opposite Colin Farrell?
I have a few scenes with Colin and he’s everything I was hoping he would be. A true gentlemen, accessible, warm and an amazing actor. I had a lot of fun and can't wait to see the show when it airs in June.
How does Sugar compare to your previous television work in terms of tone and character development?
Tone wise, Sugar is more noir but as far as preparation and approach, it’s always the same approach.
With major projects like Euphoria and Sugar, this feels like a pivotal moment in your career—how are you approaching it?
I’m feeling very blessed and I’m extremely grateful for these opportunities. I try not to think about the future and what my career will look like, etc.. I just dive into my work and do the best that I can do. Hopefully, my work will get noticed and maybe some more opportunities will come my way. It's important that my characters are believable and the writers/directors/ producers of the shows and films I’m in, like the work I bring. I’m grateful for every opportunity and person.
Are there specific types of roles or genres you’re hoping to explore next?
I really like crime genres and comedies but I would also love to do some science fiction and historic work. Maybe even some super hero movies or shows. Really, I just like working and I’m open to anything, if I feel I can do it justice.
What does success look like to you now compared to earlier in your career?
I’m not sure how to answer that because for me, success is not one or two things. It’s a very long road, filled with hard work, dedication and discipline. However, I still have a long way to go. In reality, it's an on-going road which I’m happy to be on. So, I don’t think about that and I just focus on doing good work with the material I’ve been given and the people I work with. For me, their success, is my success because filmmaking is very much a collaborative process, and a team effort.
What advice would you give to others considering a bold career change later in life?
I would say that whatever your dreams and goals are, no matter what age or stage in life you are in, you should follow it. I’ve always been one of those people that encourage all to take risks. Without risk, there is no reward and if it doesn’t challenge you, it will not change you. So follow your heart and your dreams. You never know where it will take you but I assure you, the journey is a beautiful and an amazing road to be on.
