Born in the Bronx, New York, which is your fondest childhood memory?
I have nine brothers and sisters and as we were growing up in the Bronx, life was much simpler in the 1960s. My fondest memory is of Christmas time. For some reason, there was always snow back then. There was a certain magic in the air that was palpable. There was so much joy. This is my fondest memory.
What inspired your first original story? Did you share the tale with anyone?
My first story came to me in the autumn of 1987 after I left the Missionaries of Charity. The leaves on the trees had finished turning colors and one cloudy afternoon, as I stared out my bedroom window and watched the wind blow them from the trees, I realized how much we are like the leaves. I began to compare people and the movement of our lives to the journey of the leaves – how they are born green and solid, how we change with our experiences (the various colors of our lives) and how one day, just like that we are called somewhere else. We return to earth to nourish it. This was my first piece of official writing. It has never been shared.
At what age did you first appear in major motion pictures?
I was 19 when I had my first experience in front of the camera in the film, So Fine with Ryan O'Neal (as an extra). Later, in Hollywood, I was 22 when I worked at Columbia Pictures and co-starred in the film Big Trouble as one of Alan Arkin's triplet sons.
How has been your experience of working with some of Hollywood's finest artists?
Absolutely amazing! Even though some of the TV work and films I appeared in never got off the ground or were not box office successes, how many actors can say they worked with Sidney Lumet, John Cassavetes, Alan Arkin, and Peter Falk? It was a dream come true for me. I learned so much from them. And of course, there was always the fun stuff like guest-starring with David Hasselhoff in Knight Rider and playing a studious musician in the TV series, Fame. It was a very exciting time in my life.
Where did you first meet Harris Yulin? Are you two still in touch?
I met Harris Yulin when I was 19 and cast in the Off-Broadway play, Barnum's Last Life. Yulin played Barnum and I played Bailey (as in Barnum and Bailey) as a young boy. Harris was a force to be reckoned with on stage. He was focused and a damn good actor! I had a few scenes with him and had to remain on my toes. I respected what he brought to the table. Unfortunately, we are not currently in touch.
In what ways did your life shift after meeting Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the now Saint Teresa of Calcutta?
I met Mother in Washington, D.C. in May 1986 when she was opening up her home, "A Gift of Peace" for those dying of AIDS. I went to see her life, as I was contemplating becoming a priest and joining her Society of the Missionaries of Charity. Mother just happened to be in Washington, D.C. when I visited - what luck! When we met, Mother took my hands in hers, smiled at me from ear to ear, and invited me to join the congregation. She told me that the Society needed a Saint Paul. We both laughed but it was the confirmation I was looking for. Not many men and women are invited to the religious life by the Order's founder or foundress? I was so blessed.
What made you decide to leave behind your acting career?
I left for many reasons, but primarily I experienced Hollywood in a way I never imagined. I saw things I did not want to see and experienced the negative side of a town where everyone is out for themselves. I write about it extensively in my book. I began to do volunteer work at the time in Los Angeles and it became more fulfilling to me than my acting career. I knew I had to reassess my life, so one day I made the decision to return to New York and examine my life.
What inspired you to write your debut novel, "The Boy Behind the China Cabinet"?
In 2014, I decided once and for all to combine many of my short stories and experiences, to harmonize the writing "voice" from many years, and to create the necessary bridges from one experience to the other. It was gnawing feeling and I knew I had to do it. I finally chose to sit one day and begin the work - that was 6 years ago.
What challenges did you face while writing your memoir?
Oh, many! The harmonization from one event of my life to the other, remaining sincere and truthful and to accurately record what I was feeling about things that had happened long ago. I was reliving my life - the good and the bad. It became a very healing experience to remember a lot of the pain and to process through it. This was the biggest challenge.
Would you want to interview a famous celebrity? If so, what would you ask him/her?
I have never thought about it, but I guess if I had one celebrity to sit with it would be Patti Smith - the poet, singer, rock star and writer. Her work is prolific to me and I identify with her on so many levels. After reading any of her work, I am inspired to work myself. Her words resonate with me.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
Honesty. Emotion. Depth. If an author, whether it is a work of fiction or non-fiction tells the truth, readers will feel it and experience it. I love the creative mind but I believe writing about things we ourselves have lived through delivers an element of depth and truth - and that's what makes it good. It is important to hit a nerve. It is the same for any medium - film, TV, writing, painting - tell the truth, and express your truth.
What are some things that have changed and/or remained the same since the release of your first book? Do you miss anything?
I did not anticipate that my memoir was a “page-turner” or “compelling” or that readers “could not put it down.” That was very unexpected for me and a nice surprise. The correspondence I receive about the book is really the only think that has changed. Sometimes, I have to wait a few days until I have the time to respond to the emails and social media posts. I assume that when the hype dies down things will feel less frantic.
How do you think concepts such as Kindle, and e-books have changed the present or future of reading?
Fortunately, or unfortunately, this seems to be the direction that everything is going in – electronic this and that. Pretty soon we will have e-toilet paper – kind of drives me nuts. I am an old-fashioned guy who prefers the complete “book experience” – holding in, the smell of the freshly printed pages, the cover art, being able to re-read portions with ease, knowing when chapters end so I can time my reading, etc. I do have a Kindle and a Nook – these are very helpful when I am traveling or have a big book I don’t want to schlep around. However, I think there is a large contingency that do not want to lose the physical paper book experience.
What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself as an author in 10 years time?
I have been working on my second book and I hope I will be able to leverage off of the success of The Boy Behind the China Cabinet. It would be a great gift for me if I can continue to gain momentum as a writer. These days creating behind the camera is more fulfilling than getting in front of the camera – although I would not scoff at any creative work. In 10 years, I can see myself having several published works. It is my hope that in 10 years there may be an official recognition or two, maybe a screenplay or a purchase of some of my work. The future is exiting!
How were you introduced to AllAuthor? Has this website met all your expectations?
As an independent author, AllAuthor seemed like outstanding and viable way to promote my book and to correspond with other authors. I saw your posts on some of my friend’s social media accounts and it sparked my interest. The tools the site provides assist authors in creating fantastic GIFS, backgrounds, and whatever else is needed to promote one’s book. It is also appreciated that the site markets the book through tweets and participating sites. I would recommend AllAuthor to any writer – especially those just starting out. And thank you for all you have done for me.
