Armenian inspired by Aracy Balabanian to be an actor in Brazil mourns his death

The first Armenians arrived in Brazil around 1920. Today there are about 100,000 descendants of that people who live in the Caucasus, between Europe and Asia.

The community of São Paulo is so important that there is a metro station called Armenia, in honor of the immigrants.

One of the best known Armenians in Brazil is the actor and writer Arthur Haroyan. His passion for Globo soap operas led him to venture here, where he built a career in audiovisuals.

His biggest inspiration in television drama was Aracy Balabanian, daughter of Armenian immigrants, born in Mato Grosso do Sul. She the acclaimed actress passed away on August 7, at the age of 83.

In an interview with TV roomHaroyan comments on his bond with the artist.

How did you know Aracy was of Armenian descent?

I discovered Aracy not in Armenia but in Siberia where my family moved temporarily due to the war. It was 1996 and I already knew that the First Federal Channel of Russia would broadcast a new soap opera called ‘The Next Victim’, which would fill all my attention. I was sitting on the sofa, anxiously awaiting the first chapter, when they started announcing the actors. When I heard Aracy Balabanian’s name, I jumped. Not because I knew her, but because all Armenian surnames have the same ending ‘ian/yan’. I shouted, “Mother, there is an Armenian actress in Brazil and her name is Aracy Balabanian.” Rolling small vine-leaf cigars, my mother replied that no Armenian would arrive in Brazil, because it was impossible to get there. I sat down, closed my eyes and made a wish: to find Aracy Balabanian and prove to my family that there was an Armenian in Brazil and that, yes, it was possible to get to the country. After 18 years, I found Aracy again and sent my family the photo I took with her, proving the impossible.

What was Aracy’s influence on your decision to become an actor and come to Brazil?

My career choice happened before I found out about Aracy. He is a great point of reference, not only as an artist, but also as a human being. His comedy has always been sophisticated, his drama has been dense, an example to follow, to be inspired by, even more when there is a basis of self-identification, because we are from the same people, from the same ‘ian’.

Who are your favorite Aracy characters?

The role that introduced me was Filomena Ferreto Giardini (from ‘The Next Victim’). Later, when I moved to Brazil, my dear friend Ana gave me the collection of soap opera ‘Rainha da Sucata’, because one day, by mistake, I said “na chon”, because I confused the genders, still I didn’t understand he speaks portuguese well. Dona Armenia’s role was emblematic not only for me, but for the entire Armenian community in Brazil. Thanks to her for that!

How did you meet her personally?

Through the interview I gave to Jô Soares, Aracy’s publicist got in touch with me, saying she wanted to meet me. Before our appointment, we spoke on the phone about her. (More details of this special moment can be read in the book “The Armenian”, published by Arthur Haroyan from The Books.)

Have you stayed in touch?

Only virtually, because I live in São Paulo and she in Rio. But when Aracy sent emojis to my Stories, I literally fell “na chon.”

Do you think his death will be reported on Armenian TV?

Yes, it has been reported. After hearing of his death, I went for a walk along a beautiful road, surrounded by forests and mountains here in Armenia. I cried and then smiled, thanking my country and our ancestors for Aracy. As long as I’m alive, I’ll do anything to make Aracy Balabanian’s name glorified.

Source: Terra