Nicole Rio, a California native, was born into a family of entertainment professionals and entrepreneurs. Her father, Eddie Rio, was a talent manager, producer, and vaudevillian performer who co-founded the American Guild of Variety Artists, one of the first unions for performers. Her mother, Antoinette Rio, worked at ABC as an executive of financial administration. Rio's brother, Frank Rio, owned Regency Artists, which later merged with Triad Talent Agency and eventually WME. Her two additional brothers, Edward Rio-Rotunno, Jr., a successful cinematographer, and Tyrone Rio-Rotunno, a musician, along with her sister, Joanne Rio-Barr, were all unique mentors who encouraged her business and artistic drive.
Rio began pursuing the arts at the age of 11, enrolling in dance, acting, and voice classes with Maybin Hewes-Sherman alongside her childhood "bestie," Amy Sherman-Palladino. She landed her first starring role as Sue in The Zero Boys at age 19, followed by a starring role as Tracy with Honorary Academy Award-winning film producer Roger Corman in the cult classic Sorority House Massacre. In her mid-20s, Rio continued to hone her skills and gain experience in the entertainment industry.
Growing up surrounded by industry professionals and entrepreneurs, Rio was continually intrigued and inspired to learn every aspect of the creative, business, and financial sides of the entertainment and music industries. Her major influences stemmed from her family's extensive experience in the entertainment industry.
Rio was hired as Vice President of Development for Superluminal Films, based in Manhattan Beach, CA. Over the next 10 years, she served as the right-hand to mentors such as Richard King, then Paramount Executive David Madden, Academy Award-winning producer and co-founder of Imagine Entertainment Brian Grazer, and Producer/Executive Benny Medina. In addition, Rio served as Chief Of Staff for Theodore Nguema Obiang, spearheading the launch of his production company, Beautiful Pictures, and serving as a consultant for the company's financial investments.
Rio has also been involved with several non-profit organizations, including Theater For The Blind in Los Angeles, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Much Love Rescue, and The Joanne Barr Liver Transplant Foundation, established in her sister's honor.
