EDITOR'S INTRO |
This is the thirty nineth in a continuing feature at IndustryCentral profiling "The Working Actor". (See Archives below) William Shakespeare said "There are no small parts--.". William Shatner may have said it too, but the longhair with the tights was first, or so the reports go. In this feature we will explore what it really means to be an actor working in Motion Pictures and Television. Broad public acknowledgment may have eluded some who find their way to these pages, or perhaps they may have brushed against what is referred to as stardom by virtue of one or more remarkable performances. However for many, the rewards of plying their craft in a field which has allowed them to earn a living may exceed the burdens of public acclaim. Given the chance, some in this clan might prefer the longevity offered by anonymity over the potential for short lived fame. These individuals, either by design or fate, have managed to sustain a career by crafting performances which rendered them a good casting choice. They are usually thought of as a face you recognize, but you just can't get the name past the tip of your tongue. Most of these folks have spent countless hours on stage in theaters ranging from 20 seats to 2000, building characters from the works of Ibsen, to Eliot, to Williams, to yes even Shakespeare, and so many of the modern Playwrights. They have rounded their skills doing drama, comedy, & musicals. Their work is a serious venture. These people have given us screen performances which quite often were the catalyst that brought an Oscar or Emmy to another and yet they continue to work as "Characters" or "Co-Stars" without the trophies and plaques adorning their mantle. |
Mario Roccuzzo | ||||||
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Mario Roccuzzo was born in Boston, Mass. The son of parents who performed on the Italian stage. His mother and father traveled up and down the New England coast performing with a repertory company. Watching rehearsals as a little boy, he became completely entranced with the idea of becoming an actor. Roccuzzo's father passed away when he was just ten and a few years later, in 1954 his mother, sister and Mario traveled to California where he soon began studying the acting craft in the evening with the recently deceased Jeff Corey and later with Corey Allen while working during the day at "Wallach's Music City". In 1960, young Mario, snuck into Columbia Studios, and into the office of John Frankenheimer. As he entered the room, he was asked what he was doing there. He replied "I wanted to audition for you for your next film". Frankenheimer apparently liked Roccuzzo's Moxie as after a cold reading, he was cast in the Director's next feature film, "The Young Savages". Later that same year, "The Untouchables" was the No. 1 show on Television and Roccuzzo read and was awarded the title role of Nicky on that series. This was followed by a series of roles on shows like "The F.B.I.", "Stoney Burke", and "Surfside Six" from which he was Type Cast as "The Bad Guy". It wasn't until the 1970's that producers saw him in a different light, and his roles became more diversified. Roccuzzo say's "I had the extreme joy of working with such stars as Fred Astaire, William Holden. And many others". He is proud of the friendship he developed with Bill Holden while doing "The Blue Knight" which lasted for many years. During the 70's and 80's says Roccuzzo believes "I believe I acted on just about every Cop Show on TV". These include "Barretta", "Barnaby Jones", "Barney Miller", "Police Story", "Streets of San Francisco", and many others. In 2001, Mario provided an engaging performance as Jerry the Bartender in the popular Jim Carey feature, "The Majestic". He also offered solid performances on "E.R.", "Judging Amy", and HBO's Creature Feature; "Earth vs. The Spider". Of his 40+ years, as an actor, working in over 250 TV Shows, Roccuzzo admits "In my heart of hearts, I love Acting just as much as when he first started out!". Representation:
Mario Roccuzzo' advice to the aspiring actor:
Mario Roccuzzo's Credits (partial)
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