Mykhailo Farmiga stands as the strong foundation of one of America’s most talented acting families. Born in Ukraine on January 10, 1942, he became known as the father of acclaimed actresses Vera and Taissa Farmiga. His life story spans continents, cultures, and careers—from his Ukrainian birth to building a seven-child family in America.
Early Life and Ukrainian Roots
Mykhailo’s story begins in Ukraine during World War II. Born into a tumultuous time, his early years were shaped by his family’s Ukrainian heritage and the hardships of war. His parents lived through displacement camps, an experience that would later influence Mykhailo’s drive to create stability for his family.
The Farmiga household kept Ukrainian traditions alive despite the distance from their homeland. Young Mykhailo grew up speaking Ukrainian as his first language and learning cultural practices that would stay with him throughout his life.
His childhood in Ukraine gave him a strong sense of identity and resilience. These qualities would serve him well during the challenges of immigration and starting fresh in a new country.
Immigration Journey: Ukraine → Argentina → America
Mykhailo’s path to America wasn’t direct. Like many Ukrainian immigrants of his generation, he first moved to Argentina in the 1960s. This South American chapter of his life gave him his first taste of adapting to a new culture and language.
The move from Argentina to the United States marked a turning point in Mykhailo’s life. Landing in New York with limited English skills, he faced the classic immigrant challenges—finding work, learning the language, and creating a place for himself in a foreign land.
“America felt both frightening and full of promise,” family members recall him saying of those early days. Each small victory—from mastering basic English phrases to securing his first job—built the foundation for his family’s future success.
Mykhailo settled in Clifton, New Jersey, which would become the family home for decades to come. The tight-knit Ukrainian-American community there helped ease the transition, providing cultural familiarity in an unfamiliar place.
Career as a Computer Systems Analyst
Despite language barriers and cultural adjustments, Mykhailo built an impressive career in the emerging field of computer systems. His aptitude for analytical thinking and problem-solving made him well-suited for the technical demands of computer systems analysis.
Mykhailo studied computer science at a time when the field was still developing. His foresight in choosing this career path showed both intelligence and practicality—these skills would allow him to support the large family he would later raise.
Working as a systems analyst required precision, patience, and adaptability—qualities that Mykhailo brought to his professional life and family role alike. His career choice provided stable income for his growing family while also modeling the value of education and technical knowledge.
Colleagues remember Mykhailo as thorough and dedicated. He balanced the demands of his technical career with his commitment to family life, often bringing his analytical mind to solving family challenges as well.
Building a Family with Luba Farmiga
Mykhailo’s life took its most meaningful turn when he met Luba Spas, who would become his wife and partner in building their American dream. Luba, herself Ukrainian-American, shared Mykhailo’s cultural background and values.
Their marriage blended two Ukrainian families and created a foundation for preserving cultural traditions. Mykhailo and Luba agreed early in their marriage to raise their children with a strong awareness of their Ukrainian roots.
The couple established their home in Clifton, New Jersey, creating a space where both American opportunities and Ukrainian traditions could flourish. Their partnership proved strong enough to support their ambitions of building a large, close-knit family.
Cultural Traditions at Home
The Farmiga household rang with Ukrainian songs, words, and laughter. Mykhailo made sure his children understood the language of their ancestors, often speaking Ukrainian at home and teaching them traditional songs.
Holiday celebrations in the Farmiga home mixed American customs with rich Ukrainian traditions. Christmas and Easter carried special significance, with traditional foods, decorations, and customs marking these occasions.
Faith played a central role in family life. The Ukrainian Catholic Church became both a spiritual center and a connection to cultural roots for the Farmiga family. Mykhailo led by example, showing his children the importance of faith and community.
These cultural practices weren’t simply habits—they formed the identity that would later influence his daughters’ artistic sensibilities and strong sense of self.
Raising Seven Kids: From Victor to Taissa
Mykhailo and Luba welcomed seven children into their family: Victor, Vera, Stephan, Nadia, Alexander, Laryssa, and Taissa. Raising such a large family required patience, wisdom, and endless energy.
The Farmiga children grew up in a household that valued both education and creativity. Mykhailo balanced discipline with encouragement, creating an environment where each child could develop their unique talents.
Family meals brought everyone together, with Ukrainian dishes often on the table alongside American favorites. These gatherings became times for sharing stories, solving problems, and strengthening family bonds.
As the children grew, Mykhailo adapted his parenting to each child’s personality and needs. Some attended public schools while others were homeschooled for periods. This flexibility showed Mykhailo’s commitment to finding what worked best for each child.
The age gap between the oldest son, Victor, and the youngest daughter, Taissa, spans nearly two decades, meaning Mykhailo spent many years actively parenting. His consistent presence shaped each child’s development and future path.
Influence on His Famous Daughters
While all the Farmiga children have their accomplishments, Vera and Taissa gained public recognition through their acting careers. Their success reflects Mykhailo’s influence in unexpected ways.
Vera, born in 1973, became known for roles in films like “The Departed,” “Up in the Air,” and “The Conjuring” series. Her acting shows emotional depth and authenticity that friends attribute partly to her grounded upbringing.
When Vera brought her father to film sets, crew members noted his quiet pride. Without pushing his daughters toward Hollywood, Mykhailo supported their choices once they found their calling.
Taissa, the youngest Farmiga child born in 1994, followed her sister into acting with roles in “American Horror Story” and films like “The Nun.” The 21-year age gap between the sisters meant Mykhailo’s parenting evolved between raising each of them.
Both actresses credit their father with giving them confidence in their Ukrainian-American identity. This strong sense of self helped them navigate the challenges of Hollywood while staying connected to their roots.
Memorable Anecdotes
Vera once shared how her father responded when she landed her first major role. Rather than focusing on the fame aspect, he simply asked, “Will this role make you happy? Will it let you tell a good story?” His question showed what he valued most—his daughter’s fulfillment, not her celebrity.
Family gatherings still feature Mykhailo telling stories from Ukraine, Argentina, and early days in America. These tales connect the younger generations to their heritage and remind their now-grown children of the journey that made their opportunities possible.
Personal Interests & Community Involvement
Beyond his roles as father and systems analyst, Mykhailo cultivated personal interests that enriched his life and connected him to his community. His garden became a source of pride, growing both American and Ukrainian vegetables side by side—much like the cultures he blended in his family life.
Chess matches in the park gave Mykhailo both mental challenge and social connection. Friends and neighbors learned to respect his strategic mind, often gathering to watch particularly competitive games.
The Ukrainian cultural center in Clifton became a second home for Mykhailo. He volunteered his time and skills, helping organize cultural events and maintaining connections with the homeland he left decades earlier.
Church involvement remained constant throughout his life in America. The Ukrainian Catholic community provided spiritual guidance and social support, with Mykhailo serving in various volunteer roles over the years.
These activities weren’t just hobbies—they formed a complete life outside work and family responsibilities, showing his children the importance of community and personal passion.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Mykhailo’s greatest legacy lives in his children and grandchildren. By maintaining Ukrainian traditions while embracing American opportunities, he created a unique family culture that spans generations.
The success of Vera and Taissa in Hollywood brought wider attention to Ukrainian-American culture. Films and interviews occasionally feature references to their upbringing and heritage, introducing audiences to aspects of Ukrainian culture they might otherwise never encounter.
Beyond his famous daughters, Mykhailo’s influence extends through all his children and their contributions to their communities. From business to education to the arts, the Farmiga family name has become associated with both achievement and cultural pride.
Former colleagues and community members speak of Mykhailo’s quiet determination and unwavering principles. These qualities, passed to his children, represent a legacy as significant as any public achievement.
The story of immigration, adaptation, and success that Mykhailo lived becomes increasingly relevant in today’s America, making his personal journey part of a larger national narrative about the contributions of immigrants.
Where Is He Now? What’s Next for Mykhailo Farmiga
Mykhailo continues to live in New Jersey, where he maintains close connections with his now-adult children and a growing number of grandchildren. Family gatherings still feature Ukrainian traditions alongside celebrations of new achievements.
Though less in the public eye than his actress daughters, Mykhailo occasionally appears at film premieres or cultural events. These rare public appearances always show his pride in his family and heritage.
Recent years have seen Mykhailo taking a more active role in recording family history for future generations. This work ensures that the stories of Ukraine, immigration, and building a new life in America won’t be lost as younger family members grow up in an increasingly Americanized world.
His continued interest in Ukrainian affairs keeps him connected to developments in his birth country. The Ukrainian-American community still benefits from his involvement and perspective.
For a man who crossed oceans and cultures to build a new life, Mykhailo Farmiga’s story remains a testament to determination, family devotion, and the blending of old traditions with new opportunities. His life path—from wartime Ukraine to computer labs in America—shaped not just his destiny but that of an entire family whose influence now extends into American culture through film, business, and community.
Through Mykhailo’s eyes, the American dream wasn’t about personal fame or fortune but about creating a stable foundation where his children could build their dreams—a goal he achieved beyond what he likely imagined when he first arrived on American shores.
