Mark Cirillo is a highly acclaimed American actor, celebrated for his impressive portfolio of leading roles in various independent films, including but not limited to the critically acclaimed productions "People You May Know," "The Last Straight Man," and "The Seminarian," which have garnered significant attention and praise within the film industry.
In addition to his impressive body of work in independent cinema, Cirillo has also made notable cameo appearances in prominent television series, including the popular Netflix production "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day at Camp," the hit sitcom "Will&Grace," and the beloved comedy series "How I Met Your Mother."
Born and raised in the charming town of Windsor, Connecticut, Cirillo can trace his ancestry back to the esteemed Ulysses S. Grant, his great-great-great-grandson. His family's journey was not without its challenges, as they navigated the turbulent forces of nature, including a devastating tornado, a powerful hurricane, and a potentially life-threatening episode of carbon monoxide poisoning, all of which occurred before Cirillo had reached the tender age of 14.
Cirillo's academic journey began after he completed his high school education, at which point he made the bold decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Los Angeles at the tender age of 18. This marked the beginning of his higher education pursuits, as he enrolled at Loyola Marymount University, a prestigious institution renowned for its academic excellence. During his time at the university, Cirillo had the unique opportunity to pursue a double major in two highly complementary fields: Film Production and Theater Arts. This interdisciplinary approach allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of storytelling and performance, as well as the technical skills necessary to bring his creative visions to life.
Throughout his academic tenure, Cirillo had the privilege of sharing his educational experience with a diverse group of talented individuals, including several notable actors who would go on to achieve great success in the entertainment industry. These accomplished professionals included the talented Linda Cardellini, Brian Poth, and Gloria Calderon-Kellett, each of whom brought their own unique perspectives and expertise to the academic environment. Additionally, Cirillo had the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with experienced producers, including the accomplished Effie Brow, who provided valuable insights and guidance in the field of film production.
Cirillo pursued further education in acting by enrolling in classes with renowned coaches Arthur Mendoza, The Groundlings, and Jack Plotnick, further honing his craft and expanding his skill set.
His impressive filmography boasts a lead role in "The Seminarian", a notable feature that showcases his versatility as an actor. Additionally, he has appeared alongside esteemed co-stars Ed Asner and Donald Faison in the comedy "Academy Boyz".
Cirillo has also had the opportunity to work on the campy comedy "Girls Will Be Girls", starring alongside the talented Varla Jean Merman and Miss Coco Peru. Furthermore, he has been involved in multiple award-winning short films, including "Making Changes" and "Gay Propaganda", which have garnered widespread recognition and have been showcased at over 150 film festivals worldwide.
In addition to his on-screen work, Cirillo has also provided voice-over contributions to Sam Mendes' critically acclaimed film "American Beauty", lending his talents to the project.
Noted television personality Cirillo has made numerous appearances on various popular shows, including the Emmy Award-winning sitcom "Will & Grace", the family-oriented comedy "Quintuplets", the critically acclaimed romantic comedy "How I Met Your Mother", and the MTV reality series "Ashton Kutcher's Room 401".
Noted actor Cirillo has had the privilege of gracing the stage with his presence in a multitude of esteemed productions, including the critically acclaimed plays "Caught", "Long Day's Journey Into Night", "Endgame", "The Three Sisters", and "The Kentucky Cycle".
Beyond his illustrious theatrical career, Cirillo is an ardent advocate for his community, dedicating his time and energy to various non-profit organizations that make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. His philanthropic endeavors have taken him to work with esteemed organizations such as the South Bay Animal Care Foundation (spcaLA),Project Angel Food, and the Consumer Federation of America's (ConnPIRG) California chapter.
As a representative for Project Angel Food, Cirillo has had the opportunity to share his thoughts and insights on various news programs, further amplifying the organization's mission to provide meals to those affected by serious illness. Moreover, he has lent his support to the spcaLA by showcasing adoptable animals on LA7 ABC Eyewitness News at 11AM and Good Day L.A. on FOX 11, helping to find forever homes for these deserving animals.
