Born in the vibrant city of Seattle, a place where the rain-soaked streets are lined with a rich cultural heritage. It was in this city that he spent his formative years, soaking up the sounds, smells, and flavors of the Pacific Northwest. But little did anyone know that his life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would take him across the Atlantic to the land of love, art, and passion - Italy.
For several years, he immersed himself in the Italian way of life, studying and learning the language, the customs, and the culture. He devoured the works of the great Italian writers, artists, and thinkers, and spent countless hours exploring the winding streets of Rome, Florence, and Venice. But as much as he loved Italy, he knew that his heart still belonged in the States.
Upon his return to the United States, he received his High School Diploma from Mercer Island High School in Washington State, a prestigious institution that has produced many notable alumni. He then went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from The School Of Performing Arts, San Diego, California, a world-renowned institution that has launched the careers of many successful artists.
But his academic pursuits didn't stop there. He also earned a Master's Degree in History of Italian Literature/Theater and its influence on Shakespeare, a subject that has long fascinated him. With his degrees in hand, he set his sights on the city of dreams - Hollywood.
Hollywood bound, he sought out his cousin Lenny, a Hell's Angel member, and his "uncle", the late Vince Barbi, an actor who had made a name for himself in the industry. With their help, he was able to get his SAG Card and land his first acting jobs. But Hollywood is notorious for its cutthroat competition and thankless nature, and soon he found himself struggling to make ends meet.
Tired of the struggle, he made the difficult decision to leave the acting world behind and pursue a new passion - food. He landed a job as a dealer and eventually a manager at a local eatery in Vegas, where he quickly proved himself to be a natural in the kitchen. But the acting bug never fully left him, and a few years later, he found himself back in Hollywood, doing what he loved best.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, he has always remained true to his artistic vision and his passion for storytelling. And now, he is back in Seattle, where he has opened his own Italian restaurant, Verdi's, on Roosevelt Way in the University District. The restaurant has quickly become a beloved institution in the community, known for its delicious pasta dishes, rich sauces, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
