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Marios Fragkoulis recalls bullying: 'They told me to sell souvlaki'
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Marios Fragkoulis recalls bullying: 'They told me to sell souvlaki'

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Sources not specified Context piece
  • Renowned tenor Marios Fragkoulis shared personal struggles from the early stages of his career in London.
  • He revealed experiencing bullying from other artists who suggested he should sell souvlaki instead of pursuing a leading role.
  • Fragkoulis emphasized that persistence and belief in his talent were key to his international success.

Internationally acclaimed tenor Marios Fragkoulis recently appeared on the program "Kalitera Arga" (Late is Better), where he granted an in-depth interview to Athinaida Nega. During the conversation, Fragkoulis spoke candidly about his career journey and the significant challenges he faced at the outset.

I was in London, I had just finished drama school and received a 'Maria Callas' scholarship. I didn't have an agent; I simply went and auditioned. I got a number and waited in line. I had just finished drama school and was starting my operatic studies.

— Marios FragkoulisDescribing his situation upon arriving in London for auditions.

Fragkoulis disclosed that he endured bullying during his initial steps in England, particularly when he attended his first audition. He described this experience as deeply impactful, yet it also fueled his determination to persevere. "I was in London, I had just finished drama school and received a 'Maria Callas' scholarship. I didn't have an agent; I simply went and auditioned. I got a number and waited in line. I had just finished drama school and was starting my operatic studies," he recounted.

He further elaborated on his ambition to work in London rather than return to Greece for holidays. "I didn't want to come to Greece for holidays; I wanted to stay in London to work. I had the ambition to work. I had the scholarship, I had the help from my parents. I faced bullying from other artists; they said I should be selling souvlaki on the corner, not taking the leading role."

I didn't want to come to Greece for holidays; I wanted to stay in London to work. I had the ambition to work. I had the scholarship, I had the help from my parents.

— Marios FragkoulisExplaining his drive to pursue a career in London.

Fragkoulis shared these experiences with disarming honesty, illustrating how his persistence and unwavering belief in his talent laid the foundation for his subsequent international career. The article also mentions other recent news items, including details on a 72-installment payment plan and a story about Lamine Yamal's hairdresser arriving in a Rolls-Royce before the World Cup final.

I faced bullying from other artists; they said I should be selling souvlaki on the corner, not taking the leading role.

— Marios FragkoulisRecounting the specific nature of the bullying he experienced.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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