From Home to ‘Homeland’ Hrach Titizian Stays True to His Roots

Titizian has appeared in numerous television series and films, but says his favorite role actually was in a play. “Playing the ghost of Uday Hussein would top the list,” said Tatizian. He is referring to his 2011 stint on Broadway in “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,” starring Robin Williams. According to Titizian, his character “was sadistic, evil, funny, charming, juicy and believe it or not, likable. …  At least the way I played it. I would be very pleasantly surprised to get a role like that on TV.”

Acclimating to the grueling scheduling and repetition of theater is no easy task. “It’s very challenging for me, but the payoff is not like any other,” he said. “[The] feeling you get when you’re performing in front of so many people is incomparable.”

“Being on Broadway is probably every performer’s dream, especially working with Robin Williams, [who is] someone I always admired growing up.”

Titizian looks forward to future stints on Broadway. “As for returning, yes, I would love to do that sometime in the future, when I’m ready again,” he said.

In a business that often rewards style over substance, one thing that makes Titizian stand out is his grounding in tradition. “I feel it’s very important to recognize your heritage and your ancestry and keep the culture alive. I’m very proud to be Armenian and although every agent and manager I met told me to change my name, I could never get myself to do it,” he said. “If it takes longer for people to see me a certain way, consider me for certain roles or get in certain doors, so be it. At least I can go to bed every night with my dignity.”

It seems that Titizian’s hard work and positive attitude has paid off. Titizian was honored as this year’s ARPA international breakthrough performer of the year in Los Angeles. “It’s always a good feeling to be honored for anything. The ARPA award was special because I had a film in that festival a few years back and the people involved are really great. That night was loads of fun and I’m fortunate to have been a recipient. Being recognized in that way gives you some sense of ‘I guess I’m doing something right.’”

In the midst of his success, Titizian is also making time for his personal life. “Well, I’m getting married in April, so the wedding planning is definitely taking some work.” In between wedding planning and auditioning, he will be producing a film that shoots in March and also teaching classes on Tuesday nights. “Otherwise, my main focus is acting and auditions are back to normal now that the holidays are over, so hopefully the next gig is not too far away,” he said.

“That’s the scary thing about this business, but also the beautiful thing about this business. You’ll get a call today and you’re on a flight tomorrow. So you just have to stay sane and trust that the work will come,” he said.