Hailing from Moscow, Oliviia Tcargush is a mix of Abkhazian and Georgian heritage, known for their passionate nature. Her diverse background gives her a unique viewpoint in creating and sharing narratives. As a young person, she was always involved in sports like martial arts, particularly enjoying Muay Thai and stage combat, along with basketball, swimming, and gymnastics. As a budding actor, she has been a huge fan of literature, spending a lot of time reading and analyzing classical literature and poetry. This love for literature has translated into a passion for script analysis and understanding her characters deeply – making her one of Hollywood’s latest stars in film and television.
We caught up with Oliviia in Los Angeles, to discuss acting and what has inspired her the most in her career.
Welcome Oliviia! You have been an actor from a young age, and now you are making movies in Hollywood. What got you into acting and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
Thank you for having me. It’s great to talk with you. I think what drew me into acting and solidified it as my chosen path was an experience at the age of 12. I was part of a theatre company, performing in the “Yeralash” Christmas Concert on one of Moscow’s most famous and historic stages for an audience of 1000 people. We repeated this performance for two weeks over two years.
During that time, I felt a unique energy both from the audience and within myself. It was a realization of the profound exchange of energy between people who may not know each other, brought together by the art of acting. Trying new things and facing fears became exciting. I learned early on that everyone feels scared at first, but facing fears makes life more vibrant.
That moment standing on stage, bathed in the reciprocated love of the audience, was a turning point for me. It illuminated the rightness of pursuing acting as my chosen path, a decision I’ve embraced wholeheartedly ever since.
What are some of your early acting experiences?
As a child, my journey was quite the whirlwind, diving into various pursuits. At the age of 6, I auditioned for and participated in a well-known Russian kids’ game show called “detskie shalosti” This marked my first TV appearance, introducing me to the exciting world of trivia and celebrity collaboration.
Around the age of 10, I enrolled in a modeling school, leading to opportunities like booking a campaign for a fashion brand shoot. Notably, I became the face of a school uniform brand, featured on magazine covers and banners across Moscow. These experiences underscored my passion for creativity and the joy of sharing.
My parents have played an integral role in my journey. By age 11, I joined the esteemed cast of the theatre company of the long-running Russian TV show “Yeralash,” known for its fun sketches with child actors. Working with seasoned industry professionals and acting coaches became a significant aspect of my development.
Simultaneously, I engaged in theatrical performances on Moscow’s renowned historical stages, all while navigating the demands of being on set, filming the TV show alongside Russian celebrities, and striving for academic excellence as a straight-A student. The culmination of these efforts resulted in a prestigious award in 2013 – a golden statue for “Best Actress” at the age of 12.
Further expanding my horizons, I participated in a TV talk show, showcasing my versatility. As a child actress from “Yeralash,” I contributed to famous dance scenes, and this experience led to my role in the movie “I Give You My Word 2,” providing valuable insights into the filmmaking process.
In essence, my childhood was characterized by a diverse array of experiences, emphasizing a dedication to creativity. I look forward to building upon these foundations as I continue my journey.
You have a very unique look, but what do you think makes you unique?
Thank you, I think what makes me unique is my talent for bringing people together. I’m kind and always have a positive attitude, creating a friendly and productive atmosphere. Through acting, I use my adventurous spirit, strong work ethic, and the ability to make people feel good. Acting isn’t just about performing; it’s a way to share stories that connect us all, adding to our shared experiences. I speak Russian, English, French, and Arabic, which as an actor is very useful, and I have a great sense of humor!
That is a lot of languages, and I can imagine a sense of humor is essential in Hollywood! How would you describe the projects that you typically prefer?
I enjoy projects that grab my interest right away. When a script challenges me on how to approach a character, it sparks both nerves and excitement, making it even more interesting. I love analyzing characters because I’m good at breaking down scripts—it’s something I take pride in, keeping me motivated. I prefer projects that push me and require extra effort. It’s not just about the character; it’s about the thrill of pushing myself and putting in the work to bring the character to life. Challenging roles have that extra something that keeps me focused and satisfied with my work.
To sum it up, I like projects that catch my attention, make me work hard, and give me a sense of accomplishment.
What is your creative process when preparing for a movie?
In my creative process for preparing a character, I stick to a reliable framework, although it adjusts based on the specific role. I consistently connect characters with animals to understand their traits better. For example, a feminine and manipulative character might be inspired by cats or larger feline counterparts.
Script analysis is a crucial step where I examine details like names, colors, phrases, and surroundings. I also consider the symbolic meanings behind colors associated with the character.
Imagination is a key element, helping me immerse myself in the character’s world and envision scenarios and surroundings. I also incorporate embodying the body language of associated animals for a nuanced portrayal.
When on set, I visualize the circumstances and surroundings, allowing for an instant connection with the character’s reality. While costumes and props are extremely important, this mental preparation ensures an authentic portrayal.
In essence, my creative process is flexible, adapting to the unique demands of each character. I may add or skip steps based on the role’s intricacies.
You have accomplished so much already, which actors and directors would you like to collaborate with in future?
In terms of future collaborations, there are incredibly many actors and directors I hold in high regard! When it comes to directors, my dreams have always circled around the prospect of working with luminaries such as Greta Gerwig, Mike White, and Tim Burton. Their cinematic oeuvres have not only influenced my artistic perspective but have also played a pivotal role in shaping my outlook on life.
The works of Greta Gerwig, known for her authentic storytelling, have been a guiding force in my journey, offering insights into the nuances of human emotion and the complexities of growing up. Mike White, with his unique storytelling approach, has been instrumental in how I perceive the world, emphasizing that it’s perfectly acceptable to experience a myriad of emotions.
Tim Burton, a visionary director, has left an indelible mark on my imagination. His whimsical and fantastical creations have taught me the beauty of embracing the unconventional and finding enchantment in the ordinary.
And there are numerous incredibly talented actors whom I aspire to collaborate with in the future. However, if I were to recount a childhood dream, it has always been to share the screen with the iconic Angelina Jolie. The thought of working alongside her has been a source of inspiration since my early years. Presently, my utmost gratitude would be reserved for the opportunity to collaborate with the immensely talented Barry Keoghan. His craft and unique approach to roles have caught my attention, and the prospect of working together would be an honor I’d cherish.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
I am all about love – giving love, feeling love and loved, and being love.
We love that! What’s the best way to follow you online?
Oh yes! Please check out my IMDb, Instagram, and my website is https://www.oliviiatcargush.com/