Trivia

When the studio resisted casting an "unknown", Drew Barrymore pushed to get him cast in College attitude (1999).

Was in a relationship with his Alias (2001) co-star, Jennifer Garner (2003-2004).

Wanted to be a professional pool player before deciding to act instead. He played pool 12 hours a day, for 5 years.

Is a huge fan of Star Wars: Épisode IV - Un nouvel espoir (1977). He said in an interview that as a child he once watched it every day for a summer and ended up memorizing the lines from the movie.

Although born in France, he is not of French descent. Michael's father, Eddie Vartan, was born in Bulgaria. Michael's paternal grandfather, Georges Vartan, was of half Armenian and half Bulgarian ancestry (the family surname was originally "Vartanian"). Michael's paternal grandmother, Ilona (Mayer), was of Hungarian Jewish background; her father, Rudolf, was a prominent architect. Michael's mother, Doris Vartan (née Pucher), is of Polish Jewish background; she was born in Poland and later became an American citizen.

Speaks French and English fluently.

Also paints and plays guitar.

Turned down a role in Scream 3 (2000) because he wanted to take his career in a different direction.

Plays hockey as often as he can. This attribute has also been given to his Alias (2001) character Michael Vaughn, who plays pickup hockey occasionally with his co-worker characters.

Appeared in a television ad for the 2004 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. He stated that he hadn't been nervous while acting in 3 years, yet he was very nervous about appearing with the Stanley Cup.

Engaged to Lauren Skaar. They met in 2009 at a Whole Foods parking lot in Los Angeles [March 20, 2010].

Has a chocolate Labrador Retriever named Millie.

Was engaged to Shannon Gleason (1988-1998).

Former nephew by marriage of Johnny Hallyday.

Michael Vartan is a student of DW Brown and a graduate of The Joanne Baron DW Brown Studio.

Stepson of writer Ian La Frenais.

Avid sports fan.

Co-starring on Big Shots (2007) with Dylan McDermott, Christopher Titus and Joshua Malina. (September 2007)

Currently in Australia filming a new movie called Solitaire (2007). (December 2005)

Wrapping up filming on the final few episodes of the fourth season of Alias (2001). (March 2005)

Will be in Melbourne in January attending the Aussie Millions Poker Championship at Crown Casino (December 2008)