Biography

Born in Yonkers, New York. His father, an Army Veteran who worked as an Operating Engineer for the NYC Department of Sanitation, then later drove trucks for the New York Times. His mother, the rock, the glue, the strong, selfless, inspirational leader of the entire family, cared for the children while also working at their schools. His parents had 5 children together. The middle brother at about five and a half months of age, passed away from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). After relocating a couple times, at an early age, Bergen County, New Jersey became home. A great community, with incredible sports programs located about twelve miles northwest of NYC.

Around the age of 12, his parents divorced. He moved with his mother, brother, and two sisters to St. Lucie County, Florida. An area located on the southeastern portion of the state, somewhat, situated between West Palm Beach & Orlando. The "Sunshine State" was predictably unpredictable for the young family, searching for a warm environment in an unfamiliar location. He attended seven schools over the first two years before finding his footing. Throughout high school and some technical years he worked as an apprentice electrician (digging ditches, bending pipe, pulling wire), loaded trucks, worked construction, landscaped, restaurants, and several other jobs. Eventually taking a night class to get certified as a phlebotomist.

Horror hit close to home when a friend, who was serving in the Marines at the time, came back to visit friends and family over a holiday weekend and tragically died in a car accident on his way back to Camp Lejeune. In the year or so that followed, he took the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) and spoke with his great uncle who served in the Marines, in addition to retiring from the Air Force as a senior master sergeant. The conversation carried weight. He met with a recruiter, passed his background check, and was ready to head off into the Air Force.

A young father himself, with a baby girl at home. He began questioning whether uprooting his family made the most sense or if somehow he might have been mirroring portions of his own fathers past. At the same time, friends and family members-relatively cut from the same cloth-were battling the opioid epidemic, financial burdens, and a variety of other pressing issues. After several difficult conversations trying to determine which way to turn, he signed up for and completed the E.M.T program, the Fire Academy, and the Police Academy. Hotels, motels and ten different homes since the start of his (HS) freshman year later. He was working as a Public Safety Officer (PSO) where all three certifications were required for employment. Later he received a commendation from the Secret Service.

As a child he met Anna Strasberg, while doing a play. She told him that if he was ever serious about acting when he got older, to come check out her husband's school. Too young at the time to know anything about Stanislavski, the history of the Group Theatre, the Actors Studio, or much of anything else. But always loved listening to his mother (who was always well read and interested in the arts) tell detailed stories about actors, artists, musicians, television, film, theatre, comedy, and the art of storytelling as a whole. His grandfather on his mother side (Vincent Zaccardo), spent several of his early years in the Navy. Was a singer, recorded an album but ultimately took a different career path once his cancer took center stage. Many of these pitfalls and passions might help explain his interest in the complexities of people, their history's, hardships, human behavior, determination, equality, and social justice.

Needless to say but at some point his curiosity got the best of him. He changed course and went on to study at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in NYC. Over time other programs, teachers, and classes were instrumental as well. Which in turn lead to incredible opportunities, in front and behind the camera, to work and forge fantastic friendships with amazing groups of people. Some examples would include; production companies such as Pride of Gypsies, Great Lakes Gypsy, CSTC, and several others.

He and his much better half (Michele), have two children-a daughter and a son-and have also helped in raising their niece. His sisters were regulars on "All My Children". His brother did Broadway shows with Zoe Caldwell, as well as Colleen Dewhurst. He has three additional brothers as well.

2019 through 2022; his family tree was reshaped tremendously. March of 2020, during the heat of the pandemic was particularly devastating. His youngest sister was found dead, due to an apparent drug overdose in Los Angeles, California.

Mottos include "Courage Equals Freedom, You Define You" which he first wrote in a BulliesKeepOut project he worked on with Michael Raymond-James back in 2015. As well as "Scar tissue is the character that helps define us". Written to an old friend in 2012, who had been grappling with a series of life changing events.

Recent projects include a film titled One Spoon of Chocolate (2025) written and directed by RZA (Wu-Tang) *World Premiere* Tribeca Film Festival 2025

In addition to a passion project titled The Missing Peace written by Michael Raymond-James and Gabriel Furman. Directed by Michael Raymond-James. (Godfather of Harlem)

Produced by Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Brian Andrew Mendoza (Sweet Girl, Chief of War, A Minecraft Movie), Michael Raymond-James, Gabriel Furman, Ben Samuels, Oliver Samuels, and Leo Jacob.

*Currently receiving 19 awards and 1 nomination, including a 3x Best Actor.

Thanks for taking some time to read a bit about the journey.

- IMDb mini biography by: Contributing Editor -MG-