An Intimate Conversation with Hollywood Actor Lorenzo Antonucci

I had the pleasure to sit down and virtually speak with Hollywood actor Lorenzo Antonucci. He is an actor, writer and producer on the hit series "Paradise City" and a main lead in the upcoming controversial series meant to raise awareness on the racism issue in America, "Cracka," where he plays a white neo-Nazi. You can also spot him in Episode 5 on "Millennial Mafia" on Amazon Prime. Lorenzo was able to build his acting career from the ground up in just five years. Prior to that he was a lead singer and a guitar player in the music band "Sworn Enemy." You can also spot him in "Days of Our Lives," "A Haunting at Silver Falls 2," "What Now" and "Game of Thrones." Lorenzo even played alongside Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) in "Ballers" and is no stranger to Sylvester Stallone and Jean-Claude Van Damme. These are just to name a few of the big names Lorenzo has made connections with in the entertainment industry.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Lorenzo brings humble beginnings, hard work and lots of heart to everything he does. His Italian and Puerto Rican roots have helped him not only develop some of the key characters he plays but also build strong and lasting relationships in Hollywood. In our interview he opens up about his roles, his journey as an actor and some behind the scenes opinions of the entertainment industry. Check it out! 

EXCLUSIVE: "Murder in the Woods" Slasher to Play in Chicago Area Theater This Weekend

EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS: Your favorite all-Latino cast returns with "Murder in the Woods" this weekend (Aug 14-16) at Emagine Frankfort Theater, 19965 South La Grange Road, Frankfort, IL, 60423. It is also going to be in selected theaters nationwide August 14 and on VOD on September 18.

From REZINATE Entertainment and Yel Productions, the award-winning slasher film MURDER IN THE WOODS comes to drive-ins and theaters nationwide on August 14, 2020, with a Digital and Video on Demand release slated for September 18, 2020. Directed and produced by Mexican filmmaker Luis Iga Garza (The Call) and written and produced by Yelyna De León (Will and Grace, A Better Life), the fun yet frightening thriller stars an exclusively multicultural cast in non-stereotypical roles, including José Julián (A Better Life, Shameless), Jeanette Samano (ISA, Female Fight Squad), Chelsea Rendon (Vida, Bright), Catherine Toribio (Jane the Virgin), Jordan Diambrini (The Outfield) and Kade Wise (Empire). It also features Danny Trejo (Machete), Soledad St. Hilaire (Beatriz at Dinner), Kurt Caceres (Better Call Saul, Dexter) and Rolando Molina (American Dad!, Next Friday). 

MURDER IN THE WOODS is centered on a group of college friends who plan a getaway to celebrate a birthday party at a desolate cabin in the woods. Against his grandmother’s (Soledad St. Hilaire) demands, Jesse (José Julián), a loner-type decides to go on a trip with his friends. He is immediately smitten with Fernanda (Jeanette Samano), a sweet girl from Chicago whom he hasn’t seen in years. She is in town visiting her loudmouth cousin, Chelsea (Chelsea Rendon), who is ready to celebrate her birthday and plans to let loose with her boyfriend Gabe (Jordan Diambrini). Tagging along at the last second are Jule (Kade Wise), the class clown pothead, and the very out-of-his-league Celeste (Catherine Toribio). Soon after arriving to the mysterious cabin in the woods, the group of teens discover the dark secret it holds, which forces them to fight for their lives. “I realized that this type of film had never been done in English for a mainstream audience, where Latinos and people of color are the leads and they are not portrayed in stereotypical ways,” says Director Luis Iga Garza. “This is why, while developing this indie feature, we were very conscious of making sure that there would be a diverse cast in lead roles.” “For us, it’s important for this story to be universal, but being Mexican-American, it was also important for the script to include cultural Latino references such as El Dia de los Muertos, The Chupacabras, and other stories that are recognizable,” says writer and producer Yelyna De León. 

“We purposely showed authentic moments, such as the altars to honor our ancestors, and blessings when we leave the house, memorable experiences that we share with our families.” Breaking diversity barriers in Hollywood with its multicultural cast and filmmakers, MURDER IN THE WOODS is hailed as an “…eerie …hellacious throwback to old school slasher films” (Humberto Guida, LATV). 

The horror premiered at the Festival Internacional de Cine de Guadalajara in LA (FICG in LA) at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, thrilling audiences and selling out in 24 hours. During the festival run, the film won nine awards, including Best Film at the LA Skins Film Festival and XicanIndie Film Fest, in addition to Best Supporting Actor (Kade Wise), Best Sound Design and Best Soundtrack at the Macabre Faire Film Festival in New York, as well as the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant. REZINATE Pictures will manage the theatrical distribution with Amor Media in charge of the theatrical sales. REZINATE Pictures in partnership with Stadium Media, will distribute the Digital and Video on Demand release.

BREAKING NEWS interviews with writer, actress and producer Yelyna De Leon and director Luis Iga:

 

Chicago Actor Andre Bellos and His Journey to Fame

Photo Credit: JRFoto

I had the pleasure of speaking with Chicago native actor, singer and model, Andre Bellos. His humble beginnings, his hard work and his impressive resume caught my eye. Even though he faced a lot of bullying and criticism for his career choice as a kid and even now, he is able to push right through it and make it happen. He has attended this year's Oscars, he has been in shows such as "The View" and he can be seen in hits like "Chi-raq." In addition, he does modeling and singing. He also loves helping and doing charity work. Currently, he is also modeling for Vogue Italia. His ambition and passion for his work are rather impressive. See for yourself what he had to say:

You come from humble beginnings and yet you rose to fame. Tell us briefly about your journey?

I grew up in Des Plaines,Il, in a blended family and I always wanted to be in the entertainment business. I was heavily involved in my community and began college at 17. After two years, I dropped out to pursue acting full-time and I started out as an extra. I later signed with an agency, I began to book speaking roles and was fortunate enough to land my SAG card.

 

You faced bullying from classmates and criticism from parents for your choice in acting, singing and modeling. How did you overcome that and what kept you going on the entertainment path?

I have faced some pretty harsh criticism growing up, not only by my peers but my family as well. I am still working on overcoming this obstacle but the truth is, only I know what I am capable of. Entertainment was my refuge, that kept me going.

 

What is the new entertainment role? Is becoming a social media influencer more powerful than being an actor or a model or a singer?

The new entertainment role is just being your authentic self! Social media influencing has definitely made its mark on the social scene, everyone from big names to unknowns can capitalize on their very own niche. At the end of the day, nothing will ever take the place of pure disciplines such as acting, modeling, and dancing.

 

How does one become a social media influencer?

Anyone can become an influencer. There aren’t any specific steps that you need to take to get started. If you have a social media account you can start influencing your friends and family now. You probably already are and haven’t realized it yet. Why not get paid for it!

 

You have been heavily involved with charity work. Why is it important for you to give back and what message do you want to send to young people about volunteering? What charities have you helped? 

I grew up with immigrant parents. My mother was from El Salvador. I grew up listening to all the stories she would tell me about her childhood. From her rough upbringing to not even having indoor plumbing in the seventies, I grew up with gratitude. I want young people to know it’s cool to volunteer and donate your time to those in need. You have to see yourself in everyone and have compassion for those around you. I have worked with Feeding America, A Just Harvest, Family Promise, and the Toledo Public Library, just to name a few charities.

 

You attended this year's Oscars. Tell us about your experience?

I still cannot believe I attended the Academy Awards this year! Coming from a small town in Illinois to the bright lights of Hollywood was a milestone in my life. I felt like I was flying, when security escorted me to my seat, I could definitely feel that I wasn’t in “Kansas” anymore. The only way I can describe my experience was like being at the wax museum, and it came to life at night!

Photo Credit: JRFoto

 

You are currently working with Vogue Italia. Tell us more about your work with Vogue and how it came about?

I am so excited to talk about Vogue Italia! They have profiled me for their website this month and have included a short bio of my past work. It is truly an honor to be a part of a publication that I dreamt of being in the pages of as a young boy. I never thought it would actually happen!

 

Your passion remains acting. What are some of your dream roles that you want to play one day?

Some of my dream roles as an actor would be James Bond, Batman, and I would love to play Desi Arnaz in a Biopic. These are just a few dream roles. I have many..

 

You said that the entertainment business is not for everyone. What does it take to make it in this business?

To make it in show business you really have to have a passion for it. This business will test you in ways you could only imagine. If it is truly your calling, none of those things will deter you from your path.

 

You have an interesting background and a mix of Latin and Greek. What has it been like growing up in a blended family for you?

Growing up in a blended family is very tough but rewarding. I am half Greek and half Salvadoran and my father was previously married before he met my mother. There are five children total including myself.

 

Advice to young actors?

My advice to young actors would be, hang in there, your time will come. Until then perfect your craft, find your niche, and work harder than everyone else.

 

How has Covid-19 affected you personally and on a professional level? You said that if you are not in the spotlight people forget about your. How has that been the case now?

Personally Covid-19 has affected me in just the same way it has affected the world. I am a people person and not being able to be around other people has been a challenge for me. I have been working on myself and my mental health and have been fortunate enough to have still been able to work in different states during the lockdown. The entertainment business has suffered tremendously during this pandemic. I know we will come back bigger and better and stronger than ever this year in September. I think the biggest challenge for actors is relevancy, being able to remain relevant through trying times is a talent all on its own. I have been out of the spotlight myself for five months now and people forget about you if you are not in their psyche everyday. I hope they haven’t forgotten about me...

 

How do you overcome depression and anxiety?

I am someone who suffers from anxiety and depression and I combat it in a unique way. I meditate, work-out, sit in solitude, and walk in nature. I take a natural route to my mental health and am scared very often. I try my best not to be scared but I press forward regardless of the fear. I do a lot of things that are scary.

 

Where can people see you act, sing and model?

Check me out at www.AndreBellos.com

Photo Credit: JRFoto