A variable vane actuator assembly for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a plurality of vanes. A synchronization rings surrounds and is mechanically linked to drive the vanes to pivot for varying an angle of the vanes. A crank shaft is mechanically linked to the synchronization ring for rotating the synchronization ring. A fluid actuated rotary motor is located at an end of the crank shaft for selectively rotating the crank shaft.