The Hero’s Journey of Ivan Mader

What is the best thing that I love about my work?
The best thing that I love about my work is that I can express myself fully and truthfully in every character that I interpret.

What is my idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness is doing my work without an end, every day, while enjoying the little things in life, striving to improve and grow as both an artist and a person, and being with the people I love.

What is my greatest fear?
My greatest fear is not being seen and not being recognized as I am.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
The trait I most deplore in myself is stubbornness, and sometimes a lack of attention.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
The living person I admire most in my profession is Al Pacino. He embodies everything I aspire to as an actor, and there is no film with him that I would consider anything less than exceptional.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
I dislike jealousy, competition, and the fact that many actors are not fully aware of the privilege it is to work in this field.

When and where was I the happiest in my work?
I am the happiest when I am working, no matter where or when. Whether on stage or on set, that is where I feel most alive.

If I could, what would I change about myself?
I am working on becoming less distracted and more focused every day, and I hope to continue improving that with time and discipline.

What is my greatest achievement in work?
My greatest achievement is understanding that the work is never finished. There is no final destination, only the constant pursuit of growth as an actor and as a person.

Where would I most like to live?
I would most like to live in New York or Los Angeles, as these cities are deeply connected to acting and creative energy.

What is my most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is an earring that belonged to my father, a golden anchor.

What is my most marked characteristic?
My most marked characteristic is stubbornness, or rather, strong willpower.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
The top of the Eiffel Tower, where you can see all of Paris and feel the scale of the city.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Anywhere with good Italian food.

What books influenced my life and how?
As a teenager, I read An Actor Prepares by Stanislavski, which led me to explore method acting and the work of Lee Strasberg. I also read Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, which opened the door to philosophy and self-development.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day?
“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. Even on my last day, I would want something explosive.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Goku from Dragon Ball and Naruto from Naruto, who taught me to go beyond limits and to keep growing every day.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and my wife Antea Magaldi, whom I admire deeply every day.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
The Godfather I & II, without hesitation.

What role play stories in my life and work?
Everything is a story. We use stories in real life to understand ourselves and the world, whether in films, books, or daily life.

What do the words “You are the storyteller of your own life” mean to me?
We are the creators of our own narrative. Even challenges become part of the story, and life should be lived as an adventure.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My wife, who supports me, encourages me, and works alongside me.

Which people or companies would I like to work with?
Martin Scorsese, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and honestly, I would love to work with anyone passionate about storytelling.

What project am I looking forward to work on?
I am currently focused on screen work after transitioning from theatre, and I am excited to continue developing in that direction. At the same time, I am developing my podcast The ACT Club, a space dedicated to the craft and reality of acting, where I have in-depth conversations with actors and industry professionals about their journey, their work, and the truth behind the profession.

Where can you see me or my work?
You can find some of my work on YouTube, including my podcast The ACT Club (The Artist Can Thrive Club). The name reflects both the craft of acting and the idea of a “club”, a place of exchange, honesty, and transmission between artists. Through these conversations, I aim to offer a clearer, more grounded vision of the profession and to create a space where actors can feel less alone in their journey. And hopefully, you will see me on screen very soon.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
Passion is not something that fades away. If you truly have passion, you always have it. Even if you stop working, the passion never retires — it remains alive within you. You are still active inside your passion, even when you are not professionally working in it. As Saint Augustine said: “He who is lost in his passion is less lost than he who has lost his passion.”

Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?
Tino Orsini (Actor), Alexandra Battereau (Director), Auréliane Camps (Author)

How can you contact me?
Instagram: @ivan_mader
Email: mader.ivan@gmail.com

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