Paul Karmiryan – Veronica Mars

By starrymag | July 26, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I am currently filming a lead role in Snapchat’s “The Dead Girl Detective Agency” Season 3 and 4. I also just performed for The Radio Disney Music Awards and did a Music Video for an artist that I, unfortunately, cannot reveal the name of! And you might see me back as an All-Star on “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 16!

Q) What inspired you to transition from dancer to actor?

A) I love performing. Storytelling has always been my favorite part of dancing. Acting gave me an outlet to tell more in-depth stories and explore parts of me that I couldn’t reach/express through dance. I’m excited to expand my career more and, hopefully, be a part of more projects that bring both of my worlds together!

Q) What can you tease is the premise for the coming season of “Veronica Mars?”

A) It is a detective story that surrounds various “explosive” [wink] events that happen during spring break in Neptune, California. I would say this season is more dark, sexy, and mature than the older “Veronica Mars” episodes, especially because Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) isn’t a 16-year-old in high school anymore. There are many great characters, that fans loved, coming back for the revival and many great new ones coming in that fans will grow to love!

Q) How was your character Alex Maloof originally described to you?

A) He was described as an entitled star athlete who comes from a wealthy middle eastern family. And is the younger brother of a congressman involved in a lot of chaos in Neptune.

Q) Were you a fan of the series before joining this season?

A) To be honest, I had never seen the show until I auditioned for the role! But I very quickly became a “Marshmallow!” [smiles]

Q) These are such complex characters with many areas shaded in gray. Can you talk about how we explore that more this season and the themes we see?

A) Well, so many years have passed since the previous seasons. Veronica Mars, along with many other characters have grown! They are not in the same place. Veronica is not the same young girl, doing detective work in high school. The actors are bringing in different elements and arches to these characters, which will be really cool for many fans and “Marshmallows” to witness. The show will definitely be more mature, especially because of the network change. Disclaimer: Expect profanity and intimate situations.

Q) On “Veronica Mars” we see these multidimensional characters. What do you think it is about the dynamic of these core characters that really resonates with audiences?

A) They add layers to the storyline and the character development that keeps the audiences wanting more. Characters can’t be one-dimensional or people won’t be invested in following their journey for a whole season/ multiple seasons. They are more fascinated and invested when the characters are layered, unique, genuine and when there is a mysterious element involved.

Q) The show has always been wrought in this poignant and provoking emotional angst, but also sharply intertwines moments of levity. How does the series continue to take these tumultuous interpersonal relationships while maintaining the light and levity in such a brilliant and balanced way?

A) Great writers and a strong cast! It takes talent to be able to pull off the complexity that this show brings. And it manages to be consistent and amazing in that way this season as it was in previous seasons, not only because of the writing team on board, but also the brilliant actors that can seamlessly pull off all of the dynamic moments. And I would say, because the new network allows more freedom, I personally think there are going to be many more amazing moments throughout this season!

Q) How does it mix the nostalgia of the original series and film with the nuances of the new dynamics and core storyline?

A) Many relationships and character dynamics are still intact, like Veronica’s relationship with her dad (Enrico Colantoni), Logan (Jason Dohring), her friends and her rivals, etc. They have just evolved. So, you still get a lot of comedic bickering, sentimental moments, and instances where viewers will connect back to the previous seasons/movie.

Q) Was there someone(s) in particular you were hoping to share a scene with?

A) I have so much respect for many of the actors attached to the series. I mean, there are so many talented people involved! And I was lucky enough to work with many them including Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni, Dawnn Lewis, Patton Oswalt, Jason Dohring, Darran Norris, Ken Marino and many more! Wish I got to share scenes with J.K. Simmons. I love his work, but I guess that is for another project!

Q) Talk about working with Kristen Bell. 

A) Didn’t think it was humanly possible to fit that much talent and kindness into a tiny adult human being, but Kristen Bell fits the bill. [laughs] She was nothing but a pleasure to be around and work with. I feel very fortunate I got to meet and work with her, especially on one of her most iconic roles. I look up to her very much. I learned a lot from working with her on the show and talking to her about life.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you’ll receive to starring in the series?

A) Most definitely! The people that follow me, come mostly from my work in the dance world. So, it’ll be cool to see what kind of feedback I get from this crossover and the new people that will hop on board my journey!

Q) We loved you on “SYTYCD.” What were some of your favorite performances over the seasons?

A) The chapters I have gone through with “SYTYCD” are unparalleled. I have done four different versions of the show. From my experiences on “SYTYCD Armenia,” to my contestant season on “SYTYCD USA” Season 10, to being brought in as a mentor/All-Star on the kids’ season and adult season for the past four years…I have had so many different performances on the show and I have had a very unique and fulfilling journey through it all, not only as a dancer, but also, in my personal growth. I connected with each performance differently and find it hard to just choose one! But all my performances on my contestant season (10) I will always hold near and dear to my soul!

Q) What did you personally take away from your time on the show?

A) I had only been dancing for four years before I did the show, so I took pretty much everything from it. From professionalism and the dance industry as a whole, to the craft and performance of being a dancer, being a part of the show was like ten years of dancing all in one. It sped up my process of maturing as a performer and taught me a lot about myself and people in general. I gained exposure and met amazing choreographers who I work with till this day. It also solidified what I wanted to do for the rest of my life… be a performer and storyteller. I also took away some pretty cool new dance moves to bust out at parties. [smiles]

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you?

A) My fans are Rockstars! I do what I do because I am passionate and fulfilled by it, but I always feel so humbled and grateful to receive messages or kind words from people who continue to follow and support my journey, especially the OG fans from all my work on all the dance projects I’ve been a part of in the past! It’s only the beginning for my journey, excited to go on this ride with you all! And also, welcome, to everyone that will be hopping on board the journey. [smile]