I grew up in western Massachusetts, within a large Italian-American family. The middle child. Joe DiPietro describes it best in "OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS". Family, faith and food! Much of my family history I learned over my parent's and grand parent's dinner tables where I witnessed many, great performances. One of my oldest and fondest memories was my grandmother saying grace in english then italian. Sports were a big part of childhood. The neighborhood maxim: outside till the street lights come on or till your father whistles. Then hustle! My interest in acting and theater began in a parochial high school, where I again witnessed great and occasionally terror striking performances.

 

I followed my nascent obsession to Emerson College for a bachelor's degree in Theater. Shortly after my only foray into Equity's membership program also known as a slave labor camp a wandering trip to Chicago prompted me to head west, young man. A great city for a fledgling actor! I acted in children's theater, off-loop houses, Shakespeare festivals and played Eddie in the Chicago premier of "OUR LADY OF THE TORTILLA" at the Illinois Theater Center.

 

Feeling young, restless and brave I picked up stakes for the city that never sleeps. I didn't either my first month. Dustin Hoffman was playing Shylock in "THE MERCHANT OF VENICE". Why sleep after seeing that marquee! The dye was cast. New York was home. Several seasons of "Thank you! very nice audition" followed. I paid the bills working in bookshops and as a museum guard. You can't afford much trouble reading and studying art. I began working in regional theater. Seminal roles were Nick in "OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS", Milo in "SLEUTH" and Gooper in "CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF". Parts in television and film followed. I've had the good fortune to be cast by David Milch in "LAST OF THE NINTH" and Sir Ridley Scott in "American Gangster". I've been directed by Andre Allen, Steve Ast, Frank Valenti, Christopher Goutman, Gary Donatelli, Bruce Cooperman, Danielle Faraldo, Steven Williford, Jill Mitwell, Rick Manfredi and Paul Pennolino. Most recently, I shot two episodes of "Power Book II:Ghost" as Mecca's Pilot, directed by Ruben Garcia III and Rob Hardy of Rainforest films.

 

My pastimes include running, working out, ancestry, visiting museums and historical sites in the tri-state area. Thank you for taking the time. I hope we meet soon.

 

Best wishes,

David