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We Armenians, wherever we are in the world, always feel proud when we suddenly see one of our compatriots in a major international project. That feeling is doubled when an Armenian actor is part of a popular series like HBO’s “Euphoria” and, on top of that, speaks Armenian in it. At that point, the excitement knows no bounds…

For American-Armenian actor Jack Topalian, the third season of “Euphoria” became just such a moment. He played the main antagonist of the season, who constantly tormented Nate Jacobs, played by Jacob Elordi. His Armenian-language scenes in one of the episodes were well received by Armenian viewers and quickly went viral in the Armenian media.

We spoke with Jack Topalian for NEWS.am STYLE’s “ArmenՅԱՆs” column. From his memories of Armenia to his journey from business to acting and his experience on “Euphoria”; from sharing the set with Jacob Elordi and Colin Farrell to the Armenian figures he would like to portray someday…

Mr. Topalian, your role in Euphoria introduced you to a much wider international audience. How has your life changed since the show aired?

Euphoria definitely introduced me to a much larger audience around the world. I've had people recognize me from places I never expected, and it's opened doors to new opportunities. But more than anything, I'm grateful that it allowed people to see my work. As an actor, that's all you can really ask for.

Your character became one of the main antagonists of the season. What attracted you to this role?

I liked that he wasn't just a bad guy for the sake of being a bad guy. Every character has a reason for the choices they make, even if we don't agree with them. I enjoy playing characters that have depth because they're much more interesting than someone who's simply evil.

How did you prepare psychologically to play an antagonist?

I try not to judge any character I play. I spend time figuring out who they are, what they've been through, and why they behave the way they do. Once I understand that, the performance becomes much more honest.

What was it like working with the cast of Euphoria, particularly Jacob Elordi?

It was a great experience. I love Jacob Elordi and he was very professional and easy to work with. Everyone on set took the work seriously, and there was a lot of respect between the actors. It was a great environment to be part of.

Did you expect such a strong reaction from viewers, especially to your Armenian lines, which went viral in Armenian media?

Not at all. That really surprised me. I had so many Armenians from around the world reach out after the episode aired. It was nice to see people excited to hear Armenian spoken on such a popular show. It made me proud.

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Публикация от Armenian Film Society (@armenianfilmsociety)

Is there a particular scene in Euphoria that was especially challenging or meaningful for you?

The more emotional scenes are always the most challenging because sometimes being still and quiet and saying less says more. Those scenes require you to trust your instincts and let the moment happen naturally.

You are now sharing the screen with Colin Farrell in Sugar. How would you describe this new experience?

Working with Colin was a great experience. He's extremely talented, very focused, and very generous as an actor. Watching someone at that level work reminds you that no matter how successful you become, preparation and professionalism always matter.

Before acting, you had a successful career in business. What made you decide to start over in your 40s?

I never thought about being an actor, but life took me in a different direction. I had a successful business career, but I realized there was something missing. When the opportunity came up, I didn't want to spend the rest of my life wondering what would have happened if I had never tried.

Many people dream about changing careers but never do. What gave you the courage to take that leap?

I think I reached a point where I knew I'd regret not trying more than I would regret failing. I understood that nothing was guaranteed, but I was willing to put in the work and see where it would take me.

Was there a moment when you thought, "This is either going to work, or it isn't"?

Of course. There are moments like that all the time in this business. Every actor faces uncertainty. At some point, you learn to stop worrying about things you can't control and just focus on doing your best work.

What advice would you give to people who are afraid to follow their passion?

Don't let fear or age stop you. It's never too late to start something new. If it's something you truly love, you'll always wonder "what if" if you don't give it a chance. Work hard, be patient, and don't quit too soon.

You were born in Armenia and moved to the United States at the age of ten. What are your strongest memories of Armenia?

Some of my best memories are growing up in Yerord Mas. I remember spending every day outside with my friends, playing in the neighborhood until it got dark. We would swim in the Zangou River during the summer and just enjoy being kids. Those are memories I'll always carry with me.

How did your Armenian upbringing shape your personality and values?

My parents taught me the importance of family, respecting others, and working hard. Those values stayed with me after we came to America. I think growing up Armenian also teaches you to be resilient and to appreciate where you come from.

What Armenian traditions or customs have remained an important part of your life?

Family has always been the biggest one. We still celebrate Armenian holidays, enjoy Armenian food, and stay connected to our culture and traditions. Those things become part of who you are.

Have you visited Armenia in recent years? How do you feel when you return?

I actually haven't been back to Armenia in many years, but it's something I think about often. No matter how much time passes, it's still the place where my story began, and I'll always feel a strong connection to it. I look forward to visiting again.

What story about Armenians do you feel Hollywood has yet to tell?

I think there are so many Armenian stories that haven't been told yet. We have incredible stories about families, immigrants, entrepreneurs, artists, and people who have overcome unbelievable challenges. I'd like to see more films that show who Armenians are today, not just what we've been through.

If you could portray one Armenian historical figure, who would it be and why?

There are actually two people who immediately come to mind: Alex Manoogian and Kirk Kerkorian.

Alex Manoogian's story is incredibly inspiring. He came to America with very little, built a successful business through hard work and determination, and never forgot his Armenian roots. He gave back in a big way, supporting Armenian education, culture, and communities around the world. His life is a great example of what can be accomplished when success is matched with generosity.

Kirk Kerkorian is another person I'd be honored to portray. Most people know him as one of the greatest businessmen and visionaries in American history, but what always stood out to me was his humility. He quietly donated hundreds of millions of dollars to Armenia and to Armenian causes without seeking recognition. He made an enormous impact on both Las Vegas and Armenia, and I think his story deserves to be told on the big screen.

Both men represent the best of the Armenian spirit—hard work, perseverance, humility, and giving back. I'd be honored to portray either one.

A New Chapter

From the streets of Yerevan to Los Angeles, from the business world to Hollywood, and from Euphoria to Sugar, Jack Topalian’s story is a reminder that there is no single timetable for finding one’s calling. He entered acting after 40, trained seriously, built his résumé and ultimately found himself speaking Armenian to an international audience on one of television’s biggest shows.

And for Armenian audiences, each new appearance by an Armenian actor on a major international screen is more than a career milestone. It is another opportunity for Armenian voices, stories and identity to become part of the global cultural conversation.

Syune Arakelyan
Photos: Jack Topalian/Instagram

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