Hollywood actress Andrea Martin on her Armenian roots in an interview with WSJ

Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress of Armenian origin Andrea Martin has told about her historical roots in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

There has been a small Armenian community in Portland, Maine, she recalls. Her grandparents emigrated to escape the Armenian Genocide.

“My grandfather’s last name was Papazian, but when he came to America, he changed it to Martin. He saw that name on a truck.”

Her father’s name was John and her mother’s name was Sybil. Andrea’s father, having gone through difficulties, was able to achieve success and become a businessman. He owned a grocery-store chain called Martin’s Foods, while her mother, dreaming of becoming an actress all her life, devoted herself to her family.

According to Andrea Martin, she adored Armenian songs and dances, often showing the, to her friends. She always wanted to become an actress because she liked to be the center of attention and try on different roles.