Vancouver attracts diverse and talented performers. Each one has an amazing story to tell. Millan Tesfagi is no exception.
We spoke with Millan about her career, a TV show set in Vancouver, and a big role in a series of Mary J. Blige biopics.
HNMAG: You’re originally from Edmonton?
Millan Tesfazgi: Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, yes.
HNMAG: When did you first become interested in performing?
Millan Tesfazgi: Honestly, I started at a very young age Probably four years old.
HNMAG: Wow, that is young!
Millan Tesfazgi: I was always fascinated by storytelling.
HNMAG: Nice.
Millan Tesfazgi: For my family gatherings, I was always performing. As time passed, I realized this was not just something I enjoyed. It was something I loved to do.
HNMAG: Right, you’re calling.
Millan Tesfazgi: Exactly and I decided from then on, I wanted to get more information. When you don’t know much about the industry. When you’re first starting, it’s very much a moment-by-moment type of thing. You’ll Google, travel, talk to other people, and, through time, take drama classes after school in 12th grade. I had an opportunity to learn. At the age of Nineteen, I moved to Vancouver. I learned everything here for sure.
HNMAG: You moved to Vancouver because you knew that’s where the film and television industry was happening.
Millan Tesfazgi: It was between Toronto and Vancouver. I felt Vancouver was the best bet because a lot of film and television productions happen out here. It’s close to LA. It’s close to Alberta. It just made so much sense. I’m happy I did that. I love it here.
HNMAG: Did it take you long to get your foot in the door?
Millan Tesfazgi: Before I booked my first major role, it was like two to three years of auditioning nonstop. The first two years were like school for me because I’ve never been in an audition room. Everything I learned, I had to learn on the spot. I’m happy I did that because it allowed me to grow so much through that process.
HNMAG: You also do stunts.
Millan Tesfazgi: I kind of do stunts.
HNMAG: Oh?
Millan Tesfazgi: Through Siren. We had some cool stuff going on. We got trained for that which was amazing. It kind of went from there, but it’s not something I do consistently.
HNMAG: It’s another tool that you were able to use while performing.
Millan Tesfazgi: Exactly, yes.
HNMAG: You also did stunts on a show that is really cool, because it’s set in Vancouver, Wild Cards.
Millan Tesfazgi: For Wild Cards, I did a few things. I was an acting double at one point, and then I booked an acting role.
HNMAG: What is the difference between an acting double and a photo double?
Millan Tesfazgi: As an acting double, essentially you are dressed as a character. You have to know all the lines of the character so when they’re doing the coverage of other parts, you are there for that.
HNMAG: When they are shooting, you are there doing the same blocking, saying the lines, but they don’t shoot your face.
Millan Tesfazgi: Exactly. You got it.
HNMAG: Were you there for someone under eighteen?
Millan Tesfazgi: The actress had recently had a baby.
HNMAG: That makes sense. You did that, and then the production asked you to do a stunt because they know about your previous stunt?
Millan Tesfazgi: Yes. I think they knew about that and checked in with my agent. It wasn’t anything major.
HNMAG: Did Wild Cards then bring you in to audition for the actual role?
Millan Tesfazgi: I did go through a bit of a process. Not a crazy one.
HNMAG: Right.
Millan Tesfazgi: They were able to take a look at my demo reel and see what I could do. They took a look at my résumé and we went from there.
HNMAG: That’s helpful. Most things shot in Vancouver are set in the US, but with Wild Cards, Vancouver gets to play Vancouver.
Millan Tesfazgi: Which is so cool.
HNMAG: Is that something we’re gonna see more of with different productions?
Millan Tesfazgi: I hope so. Vancouver, first off, is such an amazing city to film in. It’s so versatile and you can really make the city anything. We have the mountains, the water. It’s beautiful. We will see more of that, and having shows like Wild Cards, bring up Vancouver will only expose it to more productions and storylines.I hope to see more of Vancouver on the map.
HNMAG: Yeah, that makes sense. Sometimes productions, lose an advantage when they try to hide it.
Millan Tesfazgi: Especially when you’re from Vancouver or if you live in Vancouver, when you’re watching a show, you can tell right away.I know exactly where that street is. I know where they’re filming, and the buildings because although it is a big city, it’s not that big.
HNMAG: The Skytrain is a real giveaway. You have a big role in a movie about Mary J. Blige that just aired?
Millan Tesfazgi: Yes, correct. On Saturday, January 25th, Family Affair. It’s part three of the series. We had Real Love as the first and Strength of a Woman after that.
HNMAG: You were in the other two?
Millan Tesfazgi: Yes, correct.
HNMAG: Were you a fan of Mary J. Blige before you auditioned for that?
Millan Tesfazgi: Absolutely! I grew up listening to Mary J. Blige so it was such an incredible experience to be able to work on a production that involves her. I remember going to school and my mom would blast Real Love. I grew up on her, so it’s been an honor to be a part of something that involves her.
HNMAG: Did they shoot it in Vancouver?
Millan Tesfazgi: Yes, they shot all three in Vancouver.
HNMAG: They had to make it look like New York and other places.
Millan Tesfazgi: Definitely. When watching Real Love, I had no clue it was Vancouver Sometimes you can’t tell it’s filmed here.
HNMAG: What network was it on?
Millan Tesfazgi: It aired on Lifetime. They played all three parts on the January 25th.
HNMAG: Did you sing for your audition?
Millan Tesfazgi: I did not sing for my audition. Sasha, is not a singer. My character’s sister, Kendra, is the one who can really sing.
HNMAG: How do you feel about this trilogy?
Millan Tesfazgi: I am excited that so many fans tuned in and watched Family Affair. Emotionally, a lot of people were able to relate to a lot of different things, and it had a wonderful response.
It was great to speak with a very talented performer who is a rising star in the Vancouver acting community. Millan Tesfazgi followed her passion to a new city, worked hard, learned along the way, and followed her dreams. We look forward to catching up with Millan once again to see where this journey continues.