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Maria Bakalova: From Bulgaria to Hollywood’s Spotlight
Although the Iron Curtain had already fallen during her childhood in Bulgaria, Maria Bakalova was still influenced by the remnants of its legacy. Training as a musician, she often felt the constraints of societal expectations; discouraged from pursuing the electric guitar, which she found too aggressive, she opted for the flute instead. This limitation extended beyond music, with her opportunities largely confined by national boundaries.
In her journey to break free from these constraints, Bakalova unearthed her passion for performance as both a means of escape and rebellion. Reflecting on her experiences, she remarked, “It didn’t feel right to be put in a box because of your gender.” This mindset propelled her into the international spotlight, starting with her acclaimed role in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” which garnered her an Oscar nomination.
Bakalova’s first taste of the world beyond Bulgaria came through music. By the age of 11, she was competing in various singing contests across Western Europe, much like Ivana Trump’s early life in the world of competitive skiing. “In countries like ours, music and sports were the only options for traveling,” she noted. “Seeing the world opened my eyes.”
However, a vocal cord injury at 11 shifted her escape route from music to literature. With a childhood library filled mostly with classics, she discovered the works of Chekhov, Pushkin, and Dostoevsky, the latter becoming a literary cornerstone for her. “Dostoevsky became my first love in literature,” she said. “Then came Gabriel Garcia Márquez, whose magical realism offered me an extraordinary sense of escapism.” Her literary journey continued with authors like Jorge Luis Borges and Nabokov, fueling her desire to explore beyond her immediate surroundings.
Bakalova’s immersion in literature led her toward acting—initially as an antidote to her introverted nature. “I was too shy to even say my name out loud,” she confessed. “Becoming someone else allowed me to open up; I became more communicative.” Today, the actress, who speaks passionately about books, credits her artistic pursuits with enhancing her empathy while fostering a fierceness that equips her to handle life’s unpredictability.
In her current projects, including “The Apprentice,” Bakalova has channeled these qualities effectively. The show presents Ivana Trump as a strong, ambitious figure unafraid to confront her husband, Donald. For her role, Bakalova transformed her appearance, arriving at auditions fully attired in Ivana’s signature hair and makeup. “Those visual details helped me connect with the character,” she remarked. “I didn’t know if I had the femininity, flirtatiousness, or coldness needed to portray her convincingly.”
Unlike some of her co-stars, who remained entrenched in their roles, Bakalova chose to shed most of her character once filming was complete, retaining only the accent. She expressed concern over the potential mental strain of staying in character too long, indicating her awareness of the emotional impacts of deep roles.
Among her most challenging scenes was a confrontation between Ivana, Donald, and Roy Cohn during a prenup dispute, where she portrayed a woman forced to stand her ground against powerful men. Another difficult sequence involved a controversial marital argument that delves into themes of violence and trauma. While she acknowledges that she cannot fully grasp the magnitude of Ivana’s experiences, particularly in the rape scene, she deemed it “scary” yet crucial to her portrayal.
Bakalova praised her team, including director Ali Abbasi and actor Sebastian Stan, for creating a supportive environment during filming. Rehearsals and the presence of an intimacy coordinator ensured a considerate approach to sensitive content. “It’s important to do it with respect and depth,” she stated, noting the significance of such conversations for survivors.
Abbasi’s goal was to minimize the number of takes, yet Bakalova advocated for one additional round to capture the emotional truth of the moment. The experience lingered with her, leading to unsettling dreams related to the material, but she remains committed to opening vital dialogues surrounding difficult subjects. “Women who have gone through this are survivors, and it’s essential to talk about it,” she concluded.
Source
variety.com