As a young boy I had night-terrors that left me screaming bloody murder in the middle of the bedroom I shared with my older brother. He recalls me standing before our chest of drawers and trying to open it, saying, “the odd spot, the odd spot is trying to get me.”
The nightmares got so bad that my faith filled grandmother came to the house to pray over me. She prayed for peace, she also prayed that I’d one day become a priest. I’ve found peace on most days, but like most, it fluctuates. I’ve also become a priest…of sorts. Well, to the relief of my wonderful wife and two brilliant daughters, I only play one on tv.
My first stint many years ago was in a little indie short film, titled Testament, where I played Julian, a young priest in an end-of-world scenario. A few years after, I landed the title role of Nicholas of Myra, in the story of Saint Nicholas, where I play the young bishop throughout his heroic and historic life.
Then came along Moskito, a serial I crafted for television and have since adapted to a book series. The three-volume start is just the tip of a long arrow in the ongoing saga that takes place in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The story follows Joseph Hill, a college football player who is bitten by a mosquito that carries the wicked blood of a demon from hell. Afterward, he and his friends find themselves immersed in a supernatural battle that comes to pass in horrific ways. I’ll be playing the protective role of Father Michael Bartlett, a mysterious Jesuit Blackrobe, who lives faithfully until he decides that he must fight fire with fire. Yes, the brimstone kind of fire.
Waiting in the wings is Father of Lies, a story that follows the life of Father Nathan Appleton. Like Father Michael, he’s a priest who takes the law into his own hands when he finds out that the city's most honored officer has sold his soul to the devil.
Over the stretch of my creative career, I happily look back to the ‘odd spot’ and to the influence of early prayers, my supportive family, and the struggles along the way. I know that this journey has shaped me to become who I am today and the kind of stories I love to tell. I pray that you love them too.
From the odd spot to you. Thank you for reading, watching, and listening.
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