Federico Castelluccio is a multifaceted individual who has excelled in various careers, including that of a professional artist, actor, and director. Born in Naples, Italy, he moved to Paterson, New Jersey, with his family in 1968. In 1982, he was awarded a full scholarship to the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and media arts.
As an actor, Castelluccio began studying acting in New York City with renowned teachers, including Donald Buka, Molly McCarthy, and Charlie Laughton. He performed with several repertory companies in New York, doing classic, contemporary, and original plays. He has been involved in numerous off-Broadway and regional theater productions, as well as Shakespeare festivals.
Early in his career, Castelluccio was approached by agents from Barry-Haft-Brown, who saw his work and asked if they could represent him. He signed with the agency and soon started booking roles in TV shows, films, and commercial spots. Some of his early credits include "As the World Turns," "The Guiding Light," and "Another World."
After years of auditions and perseverance, Castelluccio landed a role in the popular HBO series "The Sopranos." He originally auditioned for the New York boss, Johnny Sack, but was later cast as Furio Giunta, a complex and multidimensional character. His portrayal of Furio left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
Despite his success on "The Sopranos," Castelluccio faced a new challenge when people in Hollywood and the entertainment industry mistakenly believed him to be an Italian actor from Italy who spoke broken English. This led him to redirect his acting career, taking on roles that showcased his versatility and ability to speak in different accents.
In addition to his acting career, Castelluccio is a talented painter and art collector. He was born in Naples, Italy, and moved to the US in 1968. From an early age, he demonstrated a natural talent for drawing and painting, and was determined to pursue a life in art. In 1982, he received a full presidential scholarship to the School of Visual Arts in New York City, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and media arts.
Castelluccio's artwork has been exhibited in prestigious galleries throughout the United States and Europe. His paintings are held in the collections of Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia, Italy, Yale University Museum of Art in New Haven, Connecticut, Kresge Art Museum in East Lansing, Michigan, and Tisch Fine Art Collection in New York. His works are also found in major private collections throughout the United States, South America, and Europe.
As a painter, Castelluccio is known for his exceptional technical ability and his focus on capturing the figure and still life. He works strictly from life and has drawn praise for his paintings. His paintings have been exhibited in galleries in New York City, Washington DC, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
