If, over the last four decades, a television was turned on in any Argentine home, it was likely to find someone inside. Julian Weich, ready to make you laugh. Member of hits like The Golden Rocket Gang, Hair, The endless hole o Treble clef, knew how to captivate the public in his double facet of actor and host, a presence that seemed close, that generated empathy and daily ties, like a neighbor about whom perhaps one did not know much but whom one had known all one’s life.
Since 2020 he continues to prolong that perpetual Truman show thanks to I live for you, a program that is broadcast every Saturday and Sunday on the El Nueve screen, in which together with Carolina Papaleo They honor and interview great figures, whether from television, music or cinema. In that context, Julian Weich time was made to talk with The Urban Planet and review the twists and turns of the mysterious world of which he is a part and of which he always has something valuable to share.
–You studied at the School of Dramatic Arts, was your original dream to dedicate yourself completely to acting?
-That’s how it is, I am an actor and I define myself as such; In fact, I’m currently rehearsing a play. For work reasons I became a driver, but my training is in acting. I studied two years at the Conservatory, one year with Lito Cruz and another with Raúl Serrano. Afterwards, driving, I applied everything I had learned.
–Can you tell us something about that theater project?
-Of course, it’s for him. Regina Theatrethe work is called À la carte wake and it is directed by Diego Reinhold. We share a cast with Fabián Arenillas, Celeste Campos, Nico Maiques and Alejandra Majluf. The premiere is scheduled for end of january, so we are rehearsing.
–How long has it been since you acted?
–I made sporadic appearances and filmed some movies; I’m always up to something, but It’s been a long time since I’ve been on stage, I think for almost twenty years. Now this book came to me, it tempted me and I said “this is great, I want to do it.” The idea is to be at the theater on Thursdays and Fridays, and on TV on Saturdays and Sundays.
–At the time, why did you lean towards driving?
–It was work, I had more proposals as a driver and driving is a much more limited job which takes less time. Especially when you work live, the two-hour program lasts two hours and the one, one (series). At that time there was a shortage of drivers and they were more in demand. I liked it and I still like it, so I prioritized it for reasons of job offer and comfort.
–“Vivo para vos” has been on the air since 2020 and countless figures have passed through the program. I understand that you don’t like to prepare for interviews, is that true?
-Yeah, I don’t like taking an exam in front of the guest, dresses? Show that you know your entire career, something that sometimes happens with journalists. I’m not interested in knowing, it’s the other way around. I handle some specific data but I prefer to ask you how you are, how you feel, what you think, out of my absolute curiosity. When you know a lot about the guest, it seems to me that you limit yourself; On the other hand, when that doesn’t happen, you ask what comes to mind and discover things that may be interesting.
–Among all the tributes and interviews you did, do you have a favorite?
–Wow, we did about a thousand. My favorite interview is the one in which the interviewee leaves happy, and everyone who goes through the program is happy and grateful. They feel pampered, we do not get involved in the private life or any scandal that the interviewee might have around them, we are not interested in that. Success is that, being able to say goodbye to the guest and return happy to his house; That’s the best thing that can happen to me as an interviewer.
–You lived through the best era of television, now the numbers are different. Are you worried about the rating or have you adapted to this new era?
–I always said that the best rating I can have is the one that allows me to continue with the program. It’s not about making 30, 40, 80 points, it doesn’t make sense. What matters is reaching the necessary number to continue, because if the program did not measure they would have lifted us, and I am fine with that.
The race for ratings is an ego issue, of wanting to beat the other. I was never interested or guided by that. When they ask me to measure more, it is the first reason why I leave a program; because when you’re on television you want to do the best act possible. It’s not about playing a game and saying that one goal is enough for me, you want to put it in the goal ten times, but that has a limit. I’m not going to betray myself or do things I don’t agree with for one more rating point.
–Have you already worked together with Carolina Papaleo?
–No, we had done a gig at his mother’s show, Irma Roy, although neither of them remembers (series). But his son Matías and mine Tadeo were classmates in primary and secondary school. So we share the school pools and some other school topics.
–And a very good duo was put together.
–Yes, it happened naturally. We never had fights or conflicts, there are no arguments, we accept ourselves as we are and we know that the program calls us to entertain people and have a good time.
–You were in Mozambique recently, can you tell us about that experience?
–I was in Mozambique because I went to see my two Mozambican children, which I temporarily adopted in my previous marriage, ten years ago. At that time they were 25 and 20 years old. They came with scholarships through a mission to study at the UCA, and we sponsored them for a decade.
The oldest graduated in two degrees and the youngest is finishing his remotely. Everything was the work of Father Juan Gabriel Arias, an Argentine priest who has lived there for 15 years; and although he has been helping him for a long time, he had never been to see him. So we invented that trip to bring him money, visit his mission and see my children. It was an incredible experience; Getting to know another culture, seeing the needs they have, being able to donate and tell about that work, is wonderful.
–You have been a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador for almost 32 years. What does your work consist of?
–In conducting events, making videos, learning about Unicef projects and, above all, being able to tell them. This year I traveled to Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina; Wherever my presence is needed, I am. Defending the rights of the child means talking about them all the time and making them known so that it is known that they are not always respected. UNICEF has been carrying out this work around the world for 77 years, and is the first to reach all conflicts and humanitarian catastrophes.
–Apart from collaborating with various NGOs, you have your own brand, “Conciencia”, which also has a social side, right?
-If it is a solidarity brand with social impact, because we donate half of the profits from the sales of the products to four NGOs: the Ruta 40 Educational Foundation, the Huésped Foundation, Techo and the Children’s Hospital Cooperator.
–And this month you were part of the solidarity special “Cantamos para vos”, which was broadcast by El Nueve with the production of 1010 Mente Colectiva, your leadership and that of Maia Chacra.
–Yes, it was a special program where a lot of musicians performed, such as Axel, Flor Otero and Tripa, and it was done for the benefit of Ruta 40, All proceeds were donated to the Foundation.
–Humor has always been an important tool in your career, do you think you are born with it or can you train it?
–I inherited it from my father, he was an actor and comedian although it did not transcend. We were about making jokes, tempting each other together. I always liked that and I add humor to even the most dramatic things. Sometimes it’s not good but it comes out that way, it’s something that comes from me.
–Since you mention transcendence and humor, I tell you that recently a portal titled: “What is the life of Julián Weich?” Are you afraid of oblivion?
–And he added “away from television.” Hey, if they don’t watch TV it’s not my fault! (series). I’m not afraid of him because I did a lot of things and, in general, People remember me more for what I did than for what I do. I understand that my golden age has passed, Forgetfulness doesn’t bother me. I don’t miss those years, I’m more relaxed and very calm, people no longer chase me if I go to a shopping mall. I always tried to be consistent and I think I succeeded.
–¿Is fame just a story?
–Fame is a distortion of reality and you have to be very careful With how popularity is experienced, it can hurt you a lot, as happens to some kids who come out of reality shows. The public sees you as Superman, but it’s good to know that you are not a superhero. The issue gets complicated when you think you’re Superman and you’re not even Clark Kent.
Photos: Alejandro Calderone Ankle
