Wil Coban
Kevork Malikyan is a celebrated Armenian-English actor and educator, best known for portraying Kazim in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. With a career spanning over five decades in theatre, television, and film, Malikyan is also remembered for his roles as Max Papandrious in Mind Your Language, Rady in Flight of the Phoenix, and Parvus in Payitaht Abdülhamid. His distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to cultural storytelling and global representation.
Kevork Malikyan Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevork Malikyan |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1943 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 81 years |
| Birthplace | Diyarbakır, Turkey |
| Nationalities | Armenian, British, Turkish |
| Profession | Actor, Teacher |
| Known For | Kazim (Indiana Jones), Max (Mind Your Language), Parvus (Payitaht) |
| Height | 1.85 meters |
| Spouse | Maida Kupelian (m. 1965) |
| Children | 2 (including Sevan Malikyan) |
| Alma Mater | Rose Bruford College, London |
| Notable Roles | Indiana Jones, Taken 2, Flight of the Phoenix, Vikings: Valhalla |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million |
| Languages | English, Armenian, Turkish, Arabic |
| Social Media | Not active on social media |
| Years Active | 1968–present |
Early Life and Background
Kevork Malikyan was born on June 2, 1943, in Diyarbakır, Turkey, to Armenian parents. At the age of 10, he was sent to Istanbul to join a seminary for poor Armenian children, with the original intention of becoming a priest. There, his passion for acting was discovered by an Anglican priest who encouraged him to pursue the stage. A scholarship to study acting in London changed his path forever.
How Old – Current Age and Date of Birth
As of 2025, Kevork Malikyan is 81 years old, born on June 2, 1943. Despite his age, he remains professionally active and is admired for his energy and dedication.
Parents
Kevork’s father, Mardiros Toros Malikyan, had limited means but supported Kevork’s educational aspirations. His mother, though unnamed in records, played a significant emotional and cultural role in his upbringing, instilling strong Armenian values.
Mother
Kevork Malikyan’s mother was a homemaker and the moral compass of the family. Her devotion to their heritage and spirituality left a lasting imprint on Kevork’s life and career.
Spouse
Kevork married Maida Kupelian in 1965, in Kensington, London. Their marriage has endured for decades and is a cornerstone of his personal stability.
Children
Kevork and Maida Malikyan have two children, including their son Sevan Malikyan, a well-known visual artist. The family is artistically inclined and closely knit.
Personal Life and Privacy
Kevork Malikyan values privacy and simplicity, choosing a life away from the glitz of Hollywood. He splits his time between teaching in Istanbul and working in international film and TV.
Balancing Privacy and a Celebrity Legacy
Despite his success, Kevork avoids media sensationalism, focusing on meaningful work and avoiding roles that perpetuate ethnic stereotypes.
Public Life vs. Private Preferences
Malikyan’s public image is that of a thoughtful, reserved actor. He avoids social media and unnecessary publicity, embodying a classic artist’s mindset.
Connection to the Entertainment Industry
Kevork began his career in the UK after graduating from Rose Bruford College. His multicultural background enabled him to play a variety of ethnic and linguistic roles across genres and mediums.
Educational Journey
Kevork graduated from Surp Haç Armenian High School in Istanbul, then moved to London in 1963 to study at Rose Bruford College, where he earned diplomas in acting and teaching.
Career Beginnings
His first television role came in 1968 in The Portrait of a Lady. From there, he appeared in numerous British shows such as Doctor Who, The Avengers, and The Saint, before landing his breakthrough role in Mind Your Language.
Net Worth
Kevork Malikyan’s net worth is estimated at $2 million, accrued through decades of dedicated work in film, TV, and theatre.
Personal Life and Relationships
Kevork’s relationship with Maida Malikyan has remained strong since 1965. Their family includes two children, with Sevan continuing the creative legacy.
Major Achievements and Awards
Kevork has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, appeared in films directed by Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott, and portrayed key characters in Shakespearean and contemporary works.
Business Ventures
There is no record of business ventures or endorsements connected to Kevork Malikyan. His focus has been acting and education.
Social Media Presence
He does not have a personal social media presence, consistent with his low-key lifestyle. Fans and institutions often share tributes and news of his work.
Influence on Pop Culture
His portrayal of Kazim in Indiana Jones became iconic, influencing the depiction of Middle Eastern characters in Western media.
Contributions to Society
Kevork contributes to the Armenian cultural community and promotes cross-cultural education through guest lectures and seminars.
Hobbies and Interests
Malikyan enjoys reading, history, classical music, and art, aligning with his intellectual and artistic lifestyle.
Challenges and Controversies
Kevork has steered clear of controversy, though he has frequently spoken about challenges with typecasting and advocating for deeper representation of ethnic minorities.
Current Projects and Future Plans
Kevork continues to appear in high-quality European productions, most recently in Vikings: Valhalla. He is also reportedly working on a memoir.
Legacy and Impact
Malikyan’s career stands as a testament to discipline, cross-cultural dialogue, and artistic authenticity. He has opened doors for other minority actors in Western and Eastern media.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Fluent in English, Armenian, Turkish, and Arabic
- Taught acting in London and Istanbul
- Declined roles that typecast ethnic characters
- Appeared in over 70 television productions
Kevork Malikyan Indiana Jones
Kevork’s performance as Kazim in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade remains one of his most defining roles. His character added depth and global perspective to the film’s story.
Kevork Malikyan Taken 2
In Taken 2, Kevork played Inspector Durmaz, a role that showcased his ability to deliver gravitas and authority in action settings.
Kevork Malikyan Vikings
Kevork played Mehmet in Vikings: Valhalla, in the 2024 episode “Honour and Dishonour”, highlighting his ongoing appeal in historical dramas.
Kevork Malikyan Net Worth
Kevork Malikyan has built a net worth of approximately $2 million, sustained by a stable and respected career in entertainment.
Conclusion
Kevork Malikyan’s life reflects resilience, talent, and cultural commitment. From seminary student to international actor, his legacy continues to shape narratives on and off screen.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Kevork Malikyan?
A: Kevork Malikyan is an Armenian-English actor and teacher known for roles in Indiana Jones, Mind Your Language, and Payitaht Abdülhamid.
Q2: What is Kevork Malikyan’s age?
A: He is 81 years old, born on June 2, 1943.
Q3: Who is Kevork Malikyan’s wife?
A: He has been married to Maida Kupelian (Malikyan) since 1965.
Q4: Does Kevork Malikyan have children?
A: Yes, he has two children, including artist Sevan Malikyan.
Q5: What are Kevork Malikyan’s nationalities?
A: He holds Armenian, British, and Turkish nationalities.
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