The revelation of my destined path in the entertainment industry came from an unexpected source – my birth. According to my mother, the doctor’s astonished exclamation about the “GLITTER” all over the floor surrounding my arrival signaled the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to being in the “Spotlight” no matter what career I had.
Originating from Del Rio, Texas, my family relocated to San Jose, California, shaping the backdrop of my early years. Raised amidst the creativity of my mother who owned a Beauty Salon while I was in High School. When I was a child, my mother worked for the Singer Sewing Machine Company and she produced all the In Store clothing samples from the Sewing Pattern companies to help sell the sewing machines. I developed a passion for sewing and creating while she tirelessly created clothing from the Simplest of designs to Fantastic Halloween Costumes, to Magnificent Ball Gowns. I was fascinated with how seemingly unrelated elements when put together the right way became true works of Art.
I attended William C. Overfelt High School from 1964-1967. (Go Royals !) My popularity soared as I became the go-to person for Hair Styling and Make Up for my friends for special dates, proms, and school dances. Additionally, I took charge of Hair Design for our theatrical productions, much to the bewilderment of my male peers who couldn’t fathom why l was always invited to participate in sleepovers with the girls and they weren’t. (wink wink !)
I was lucky enough to secure a place in a program which allowed me to attend a Beauty School in the afternoons not only for high school credit but also counted as credits towards getting my Cosmetology License as well. I graduated from Sullivan Beauty College the summer between my junior and senior years. I was the first Male recipient of a full Cosmetology School Scholarship from my high school.
My journey continued with a role at Clairol Haircolor Company and became one of the Charter Members of the California Haircolorist’s Council where I excelled in teaching hair color & design techniques, particularly mastering Foil Highlighting.
The stage found me naturally as I showcased my skills at Beauty Shows and Expos, and served on the Board of Directors of the California Cosmetologist’s Association. No matter where I was, it was an opportunity to be “On Stage”.
I dabbled in Hollywood starting in the late 1970’s, in my first film appearance I played a waiter in the remake of the classic Film, “Valley of The Dolls” 1967 into the Valley of The Dolls TV Mini-Series 1981. My intention was to make my mark in hair design and makeup for TV & Movies, but Hollywood intervened again when an actor was unable to fulfill a bartender role, on the film “Satin Dolls” and I stepped into the spotlight. OK actually there was a lot of begging and pleading ! Thank you Bob & Anita Puglisi who wrote, directed and starred in the film. It was my first onscreen film credit and it was a “Double” as i was not only credited with the Bartender role but I was also as the Hair Designer for the film.
Since those pivotal moments I have appeared in diverse projects, including Student Films, Plays, Musicals, Independent Films, Mainstream Films, and Web Series’. With each role, I am living the Time of my Life, embracing the joy that comes with pursuing my lifelong passion for the art of performance.