Two years ago, if someone told Marco Radaković that he will be getting a role in the same movie with Rada Šerbedžija, he would not believe it. Well his dream become true. Two Croatian actors have met last March on the set of a new movie “Proud Mary” (which is playing in all cinemas around the world), they become partners in the same movie together with the famous Hollywood actor Danny Glover.
Behind the name of Marco Radaković, stands very typical Croatian name Marinko, a nice boy from Zagreb Dubrava, who answered the questions about his life and work in America, exclusively for the Wish.Hr.
Burning Woman, Ocean 8, House of Cards, Patriots Day, Ghostbusters, Proud Mary are just some of the films in which he had an acting part as the most prominent Croatian guy with his address in America!
For a long, long time, Marco Radakovic has been buiding his career in a country where dreams still come true.
Not in Hollywood, „where he goes just to take a walk on a red carpet”, but in Boston, Massachusets where he built his new home after the war in Croatia.
W: You were born in Zagreb, Croatia. Did you participate in the War? When did you decide to leave Croatia? Can you recall some moments from that not so ancient Croatian past? How much of your life experience helped you in acting?
As a young Croatian athlete with much ambition and energy my dream was to make an impact on people and show them that it doesn’t matter who you are, what your social status is, simply put, If you want something in life go get it!!!! As a solider, I saw much destruction and death and lost some great friends in the process. My past still lives and plays a large role in my life. I use all my past life experiences to emotionally express and connect with the camera and audience in my work as an actor. I am grateful for a few loyal friends that have stayed by my side in good and difficult times.
W: You play in the latest American movie “Proud Mary” which is soon coming to the Croatian cinemas. How is it to play with renowned names such as Danny Glover and Rade Šerbedžija? How did you get a role in this movie? What was your role in it?
“Proud Mary” was what we in the film industry would call as being “short and sweet. Film was shot within a few month with a good story behind it. When I got on set, I was totally caught off guard that one of the principal actors would be “Rade Serbedija”. My role in the film is of a “Kozolow” bodyguard. I had a great time on the set working with Danny Glover as well. After shooting, I had the pleasure of eating lunch with Rade. We discussed family and work. I feel inspired by other actors who have made it in the industry. Rade is a legend in our country and as well as here in the United States. Rade builds long lasting relationships within Hollywood, which is one of the reasons why he has earned the right to act in great films.
W: Can you please mention, what famous name’s have you been working with in the past? Meaning actors, directors, producers?
There are so many of them it is difficult to name just a few. One of them is Director/Actor Peter Berg who I had the opportunity to work closely with and Mark Walberg for 8 weeks on the set of “Patriots Day”.
I played a Boston Police officer. On the set, one of the days was my birthday. The Assistant Director approached me. The only person behind the bar was Peter. I thought the Assistant Director was approaching me that I did something wrong and I may be fired! All of a sudden 50 people popped-up and began to sing Happy Birthday to me.
It really touched my heart and put tears in my eyes that they would think about me on a busy day. Another actor that has made an impact on me was Matt Walsh. I was working for 21 days as his stand-in/Undercover Homeland police detective on the set of “Ghostbusters”. Matt and I had time to talk about the acting industry. Acting is difficult but to “make it” in the industry takes hard work and a little bit of luck doesn’t hurt.
W: When did you start acting.? How did you get started in your acting career and why acting?
It was a bit of an accident. While attending Salem State University, a young woman approached and me and asked if I would have some time to talk about modeling/acting. I didn’t know she was a scout for a major Modeling Agency here in the United States. I went for some test shots and I was on my way to acting and modeling.
W: Many people find themselves in another country doing anything to surive untill they get a ”real” job, sometimes bartending, waiting tables, etc. Did you start the same way? Well, isn’t it a fact that many famous actors did get their first role exactly like that, do you agree?
I started in the corporate world right after graduating from Salem State University. In 2008, the recession hit and I began bartending, which provided me with the much-needed flexibility to further my acting career. I work crazy hours, many hours, most weeks but it is worth it.
W: As a former soccer player of NK Dinamo in Zagreb, road has been easy? As I know you continued playing soccer in United States?
Soccer was and still is a big part of my life. I don’t think that soccer contributed to my acting career but the mindset that you need to have in soccer is not unlike what you need in acting. Strong mind, body, focus and drive
W: Did you ever do modelling? It si very usuall in United States modeling parts of your body; for example legs (as a pro soccer player) hands and eyes as well. You have very amazing beautiful eyes, you should be prefect model for the Ray-Ban.
I started my modeling career at the same time as acting. I signed up with a few agencies and have been doing modeling ever since. I just recently signed up with Wilhelmina, and I am really excited by the prospects of booking even more jobs.
W: How did you decide to do acting? Please, decribe us your beginings?
I fell into modeling and acting by accident. Modeling was first. Acting started out later. I saw an online ad in an agency looking for a guy to play European paparazzi. The film was “Game Plan” with The Rock.
W: Who was your acting teacher in United States? Which school for acting did you attend ? Do you know any famous actors who attended the same school as you did?
Yes, I studied at the Boston Media Performance Center. I also had a great coach with over 40+ years experience – Anna Baker. She is a Casting Director and Producer. No, I didn’t know any famous actors who studied with my coach or at the Boston Media Performance Center. While taking classes, looks can only get you so far, you really need to connect with your audience and feel the part you are playing.
W: How expensive acting schools are in America? Is it difficult to get in?How are you getting in and what type of a backgrounnd one person needs to have in order to get in some of the most famous acting schools?
Acting school is expensive and takes lots of time to attend and study. Everyone can sign up for acting classes if they think they have talent. It requires focus, dedication, which doesn’t guarantee that you will get a part and will be successful. I currently don’t have an agent. So, I do everything myself. It takes a lot of time and energy.
Just looking and interested in finding an agent that has my vision and drive to take my career to the next level. Big agents here in the United States work via referrals. You can’t get in to meet with them if you don’t have connections. This doesn’t stop me from striving to achieve my career goals and dreams.
W: You are living in Boston which is one of the most beautiful cities on the East coast. How do you decribe your life in Boston? Do you go out and where? Do you have lots of friends and who they are? Any Croatians in Boston?
I live in Boston, Massachusetts. I don’t have much free time but when I do I enjoy meeting up with close friends, exploring events within Massachusetts, going to the coastline and enjoying the water. I have a few Croatian friends here in Boston, which I periodically meet up with when I have time.
W: Do you like where you are today in your life? How would you describe your new President of United States, Donald Tump? What do you think about the First Lady Melania Trump?
I live in Boston, which is a Cosmopolitan city. It offers everything from education to entertainment. I love it here! President Trump is certainly different. I don’t really think my political beliefs here would benefit me or anyone else. I will leave it up to the politicians. Same answer regarding Melania Trump. I am laughing as I type. I want to focus to further my career.
W: Are you ever homesick? Do you ever come to visit Croatia? Do you still have a family in Croatia? Now, when Croatia is the top turist destination in the world, do you take adventage of that to speak about your Croatian roots and background? Did you know that we had a famous Mamma Mia crew on the island of Vis this summer? Filming the second part of the movie?
Yes, I always want to go back to Croatia and visit but time is always an issue. I have many TV and Movie projects. I always consider myself to be an American Croat. My parents, brother and his family live in Croatia. I always tell people about the beautiful city and beaches in Croatia and I still have my own place there on the Adriatic coast. I wish I could go back more often. No, I didn’t know that they are filming “Mama Mia 2” in Vis.
W: Someone told me that you are Croatian James Bond, but also the most wanted Bachleor. Any comment on that?
Wish I could have been a part of the cast! “Croatian James Bond” – I am flattered, beyond words. It is humbling to say the least to be considered any of the “Bonds”.
W: Croatia is famous for it’s great food. Did you ever have opportunity to cook for your American guests? Do you even know how to cook?
I love to cook. I learned from my parents. I recently discovered a Croatian store. I always like to invite friends over and cook some of my favorite Croatian meals. One of my dreams is to own a beautiful house with a professional kitchen!
Author: LJiljana Vinković
