Guest on the ERT show “Studio 4” received Thursday afternoon (12/12) Bessie Malfa.
Among other things, the beloved actress looked back on her long career in acting and talked about her first steps in the field and her love for musicals.
“At the dance school I started to socialize more, then my mother sent me to the Yannis Metsis school and I studied operas, musicals and everything. I didn’t get the recognition maybe I should have in the opera, but that was also my duty, because I loved the prose.” Bessie Malfa said.
And he said to him: «At that time, anyone who did television was a bit… of a hobby toopeople could not understand that this requires studies.I received recognition from the art world,until at some point it stopped. I had no suggestion of musicals after that.”
“I changed my last name when I had to work when I was at Karolos Kuhn school. I made some videos with Giorgos Dambasis as soon as MEGA opened, I had made the station sign. I’m the voice on the MEGA badge saying “on the MEGA Channel”.», Bessie then revealed Malfa.
“My name came from the Pope, who did not want to give a Catholic name at the time, and Panagia gave the namewhich also happened to be my grandmotherS name. And the “Vassilopoulou” I changed it, I added my mother’s surname, who was already a well-known painter, so that I wouldn’t have a problem with the Art Theatre”concluded bessie Malpha.
how has Bessie Malfa’s personal identity influenced her performances and artistic choices?
Interview with Bessie Malfa: A Journey Through Music, Theater, and Personal Identity
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Bessie. Your remarkable career in acting and love for musicals has inspired many. Could you tell us about your early beginnings in the performing arts?
Bessie Malfa: thank you for having me! My journey began at a dance school, where I really started to socialize and connect with my passion for performance.My mother saw my enthusiasm and sent me to the Yannis Metsis school,where I studied operas,musicals,and a wide variety of theatrical forms. I loved it, but I feel I possibly didn’t receive the recognition I deserved in the opera space. However, I had a duty to follow the path I loved, which was prose.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that when you were starting out, ther was a perception that television acting was more of a hobby. How did this shape your early career?
Bessie Malfa: yes, at that time, television wasn’t taken as seriously as it is now. People thought being in television meant you weren’t dedicated to serious arts. Despite that, I sought recognition from the art community, but it seemed to plateau at one point. I found fewer opportunities in musicals, which was disheartening considering my passion for them.
Time.news Editor: Your story also includes an interesting name change. Could you share why you decided to change your last name and how that has shaped your identity in the industry?
Bessie Malfa: Absolutely. The name change came when I started working at the Karolos Kuhn school.I had participated in some projects with Giorgos Dambasis, and when MEGA opened, I created their station sign. It felt significant to carve out my own identity, especially as my original surname, “Vassilopoulou,” might pose difficulties in the Art Theatre sphere.I decided to reflect my mother’s legacy, who was a well-known painter, by adopting her surname. This was a way of merging my personal and professional identity.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting to see how names and identities intersect in a career like yours. You mentioned your grandmother’s influence in your naming. How did your heritage influence your artistic journey?
Bessie Malfa: My grandmother’s name carries a lot of weight in my heart. The name I received from the pope, through Panagia, reflects my roots and my family’s Catholic background. Balancing this heritage while forging my own path in the arts has been both a privilege and a challenge. It’s important to recognize where you come from while also carving out your own identity in the performing arts.
time.news Editor: For aspiring performers who look up to you, what practical advice would you offer them as they navigate their journeys?
Bessie Malfa: Never underestimate the importance of training and education in the performing arts. We’re living in a time when dedication and hard work are recognized as essentials for success. Even if the journey feels slow, stay committed to your passions. Build your network, practice as much as you can, and remember to embrace every experience. It’s all part of your unique story!
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Bessie, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your journey resonates deeply, and we are excited to see where your artistry takes you next!
Bessie Malfa: Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. It’s a pleasure to inspire the next generation of performers!