Zvonimir Hace's life began in Zagreb, Croatia, a city situated within the boundaries of the former Yugoslavia, a region that was once a unified entity. At a tender age of seven, he was handpicked to play a child's role in the Croatian film, Seljacka Buna 1573, a cinematic endeavour that would ultimately kindle a burning passion within him, fueling his aspirations to one day tread the prestigious Hollywood red carpet as a renowned actor. This early immersion in the world of cinema would prove to be a pivotal moment in his life, igniting a fiery desire to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, a dream that would continue to propel him forward, guiding his every move and shaping his very identity.
Zvonimir's artistic journey in the early 1980s was marked by a continued dedication to perfecting his acting craft, with notable appearances in several Croatian films.
In 1982, he brought his talents to the big screen in the film Smogovci, further refining his skills in the process.
Earlier in 1981, he had already showcased his abilities in the film Velo Miso, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
As he continued to hone his skills, Zvonimir also embarked on a formal education in theatre at Djecje Kazaliste Dubrava, a prestigious institution where he spent the next three years studying classical and modern acting techniques.
During this period, he immersed himself in the art of theatre, mastering a wide range of roles and preparing himself for future projects.
Through his dedication and hard work, Zvonimir laid the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in the world of acting.
As a multifaceted individual, Zvonimir's passion for the performing arts was paralleled by his pursuit of martial arts mastery, as he simultaneously honed his skills in the disciplines of Karate and Tae-Kwon Do. This dual focus enabled him to develop impressive physical abilities, which would later prove invaluable in his subsequent careers as a stunt coordinator and mixed martial arts (MMA) practitioner.
Zvonimir's academic journey commenced with the completion of his high school education, only to be met with a rejection from the prestigious Yugoslavian State-run Drama Academy. Undeterred, he opted to pursue a Geological Engineering Degree, but his passion for the performing arts remained unabated.
During his university years, Zvonimir continued to hone his skills in Kickboxing and Boxing under the tutelage of two of the most renowned fighters in the industry, Branko Cikatic and Damir Skaro. This intense training regimen not only refined his physical abilities but also opened up opportunities for him as a stunt coordinator, thereby further cementing his connections within the film industry.
Zvonimir's life took a dramatic turn in 1991, when the outbreak of war in former Yugoslavia necessitated his enlistment in the Army, a development that would have far-reaching consequences for his future.
The following year, his remarkable talent in Kickboxing earned him a coveted spot to compete professionally in the Netherlands, a country that would eventually become his adopted home.
Despite achieving notable success as a renowned Kickboxer and respected Personal Trainer, Zvonimir's insatiable thirst for adventure and creative expression led him to take a bold risk and relocate to Los Angeles, driven by his long-held aspirations to forge a career in the acting world.
Between the years of 2000 and 2003, Zvonimir embarked on a significant journey, as he was accepted into the prestigious Theatre of Arts Hollywood, where he had the unique opportunity to hone his craft under the guidance of the renowned Meisner technique.
This period of his life was marked by personal and professional milestones, as he not only refined his acting skills, but also embarked on a romantic venture, marrying an American ballet dancer.
As his relationship blossomed, Zvonimir's life underwent a significant transformation, as he made the decision to become a resident and ultimately, a citizen of the United States, marking a new chapter in his life and career.
Zvonimir's acting career began with a series of minor roles in film and television, concurrently with his involvement in local theatrical productions of Shakespearean and dramatic plays.
Zvonimir's educational background in the performing arts was further enhanced by his training under the tutelage of acclaimed acting coaches Scott Paulin and Wendy Phillips, who played a significant role in shaping his craft.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Zvonimir also gained valuable experience in the film industry, having performed stunts in several European productions from 2008 to 2009.
Following his stunt work, Zvonimir expanded his skills by delving into the world of film acting, where he had the privilege of learning from the esteemed Bruce Glover and Ken Lerner. These accomplished instructors not only refined his acting abilities but also provided him with a deeper understanding of the art form.
Furthermore, Zvonimir's pursuit of excellence led him to explore the realm of commercial acting, where he received guidance from the experienced Coach Mike Pointer. Under Coach Pointer's mentorship, Zvonimir honed his skills in this specific area, enabling him to effectively convey messages and tell compelling stories through his performances.
Zvonimir's dedication to his craft is evident in his willingness to learn from and be mentored by industry professionals, and his diverse range of experiences has undoubtedly equipped him with the tools necessary to excel in his chosen field.
Zvonimir's multifaceted talents extend far beyond his impressive acting and martial arts skills, as he has also ventured into the realm of writing. This creative outlet has led to a collaborative effort with his current wife, Grace Hace, with whom he co-authored the book, The Croatian Priest.
This notable literary endeavor was a result of Zvonimir's union with Grace, whom he married on October 25th, 2014, at the historic St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church in Los Angeles. The couple's love story is a beautiful one, filled with joy and celebration.
Their marriage has also been blessed with the arrival of a young son, Kresimir Hace, born on February 1, 2018. This new addition to their family has undoubtedly brought immense happiness to Zvonimir and Grace.
The couple's book, The Croatian Priest, can be found on the popular online platform, Wattpad, for all to enjoy. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Zvonimir's versatility and dedication to his craft.
