Another Movie Premiere

On September 20, I got to attend my fifth movie premiere. There was just as much dazzling glitz and glamour here as when I attended the Men in Black premiere in Hollywood.

Red carpet, rapidfire camera flashes going off in my face, the respect and praise of my peers... definite bliss. It was always a dream of mine to see my name up on the silver screen alongside the beautiful Manhattan skyline and there it was. There's a lot to be said for whatever the mind can conceive it can achieve.

It was held at the Clearview Cinema on 8th Ave. and 23rd St. in Chelsea. New York City served as the wonderful backdrop to this event and as always, it shined.

The movie was Uncle Melvin's Apartment from Weintraub Films. It was directed by Craig Weintraub; a young, very talented upcoming director who's slated to direct his second feature called, My Baby Grand soon. He's also taken an interest in my project, All My Friends Are Getting Married. I should be so lucky as to have him on board. He made all of us actors feel very comfortable and the whole shoot was an extremely enjoyable one. Thank you, Craig.

Mitch Walters played the leading man and also wrote the film with Craig. He's a hilarious comedian that I've worked with many times and has become a friend in the process. In fact, it was Mitch who approached me about playing the part of the snooty, witty British doorman in the movie.
He used to write for many shows including Laverne and Shirley, Happy Days, Frazier as well as standup routines. Thank you for the amazing opportunity, Mitch.

I had so much fun with all of the actors including Jimmy Shubert. We were recently on the same bill at The Borgata in Atlantic City.
In the film, Jimmy played the antagonist but I can tell you from personal experience that as convincingly as he portrayed the rotten character he was in the film, he's just the opposite in real life.

I also had a fantastic time with the crew. I always bond with the crew. They are the unsung heroes. Talented, hard-working, modest and the reason actors look so good. It was fun joking around with them throughout the shoot.

I expect many more movie premieres on an even greater scale. Bring it on, universe! :-)

See all the photos from that event on the GALLERY page.

Flying to LA today then to Sydney, Australia. Hoping Qantas will show me some love.

If you've ever been dumped, addicted to love or extremely hurt, (which would be all of us) here I am featured in today's CNN
http://ping.fm/dqKuc

I'll be performing tonight... on whoever would like me to perform

With TV host Bonnie D. Graham Something to Talk About
Don't know why they left the countdown at the beginning.http://ping.fm/USGpf

Funny how celebs with fake teeth, hair, boobs, tans, lashes, preach about "being yourself." Add fake personality to that list

Hot town summer in the city back of my neck gettin dirty and gritty. prefer Julie Andrews? The streets are alive with the smell of urr-ine

A Dr. prescribed Prozac for a friend who insists that they're not depressed. Depressing isn't it?

Had a fantastic time speaking with Sue Oliver on The Passions and Possibilities Project. I hope I inspired. :-) http://bit.ly/PassionRadio

Batman VS Joker. Superman VS Lex Luther. Not as scary as Jim Dailakis facing The Dentist. I much prefer the other versions of oral

In the AM new neighbor sings Time of Your Life completely out of key. I want to sing, Another turning point a fork stuck in your throat!

Place the mouth of BP CEO over the gushing oil in the Gulf until a solution is found.

Oil continues to spew into the Gulf... in other news more BS continues to spew out of the mouth of BP CEO

I'm completely fed up with political correctness. Sorry did I offend anyone?

Flying back to New York City from Myrtle Beach after wonderful shows at Comedy Cabana

May Tony Hayward, CEO of BP, experience unstoppable anal leakage

On the T&A morning show on WAVE104.1 Friday at 8 AM.
http://ping.fm/xWqNl

Is flying to Myrtle Beach,SC to perform at Comedy Cabana http://ping.fm/PawfX

I wrote about a chance meeting with a WWII veteran. Have a thoughtful Memorial Day http://ping.fm/hJdK1

Memorial Day

It's astonishing how many things we all take for granted, especially that which we value most... our freedom.

My dad always tells me that being independent and free is the absolute epitome of happiness and well-being. He should know ,having lived in Nazi occupied Greece during World War II.

Both my wonderful parents constantly sing praise about how appreciative they are to be living in Australia... a country that celebrates the same freedoms as the US. They still commemorate Anzac Day - Memorial Day for Australia.

A few years ago, I was waiting for my connecting flight at Dallas airport during a pretty lengthy layover. I decided to go on a jaunt to find the healthiest possible lunch that I could. I've always wondered why a healthy restaurant chain doesn't set up at airports. They would make a killing from people like me.

While I was sitting at my table, a very old man was sitting at the table beside me. He was dressed in a brown suit and wearing what looked like a 1950s hat. He must've been well into his early 90s.

He had a walking stick, a glass eye and looked very frail yet dignified. He picked up his cup of coffee bringing it slowly to his lips, took a sip, and then with his hand and the cup shaking, struggled to put it back onto the small plate. His wife was sitting beside him and placed her weathered hand in his.
I've always been captivated by married couples who have stayed together that long and still show signs of affection and love beyond beauty, beyond status - beyond anything; a testament to their unconditional love for each other.

She got up and headed to the ladies room. After a while, the old man stood up and took hold of his walking stick, gripping it tightly in an effort to help himself stand upright. He looked like he was about to fall.

I couldn't believe how fragile he looked. At that point, I didn't know whether or not I should offer him my assistance. I didn't want to embarrass him but I didn't want him to come crashing down either. I decided to help him up. He placed his hand on my shoulder and hung on.

He thanked me and said, “I have a glass eye, bad leg, not so good hip…a lot of injuries from World War II... June 6, 1944, Normandy.”

“I'm so sorry to hear that but look at you... still going strong." I replied.

He smiled as he regained his balance and said,

“Did you see Saving Private Ryan?” I told him that I had.

“It was just like that... maybe worse. I was one of the fellas on that beach.”

Something of a haunting nature went through me when he said that. I had recently seen the film and found it overwhelmingly powerful and realistically disturbing. Never had I wanted a scene in a movie to hurry up and end so much. If you saw the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about. Now here I was face to face with someone who lived the horrifying experience.

He tipped his hat off to me as he walked away. “Thanks again. Have a good day.”

“Thank you, you too.”

I watched this tall, thin and hunched figure walk away slowly to catch up with his wife. I got very emotional. You know that sensation when you're in public and you try to hold back tears? The one that’s so powerful that even though you're suppressing your tears they “fall” out? That's what was happening to me.

At that moment, fixing my gaze upon this veteran, I became aware of where I was and who I am... a Greek/Australian in Dallas, Texas, USA.

I was on my way to a gig to entertain people… something that I've always loved, wanted to do and continue doing.
I can travel between the US and Australia. I can travel to the UK, Canada to Asia... wherever I want. (So can you)
I can come to America and pursue a dream. (So can you) It occurred to me how incredible it felt knowing I am free.

I am free because of what the old man and his brothers in arms sacrificed in their youth before I was even born.

I wanted to thank him. I composed myself and began walking back to see him.

I didn't care how corny this was going to sound or what he or anybody else thought of me for saying what I was about to. I felt it was something I wanted him to hear and something I needed to say.

I caught up to him again.

“Excuse me; I hope you don't mind me saying this. I could never comprehend or understand what you and your buddies went through. I'm several generations later and I appreciate everything you sacrificed. I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing if it wasn't for you. I'm so sorry for the suffering you had to go through but please know how grateful I am.”

I tried so hard to keep it together and I could see he was having the same problem.

He took his hand and affectionately tapped me on the shoulder. His way of selflessly saying you're welcome. Even as I write this, I've turned into a blubbering mess.

Everything we do on Memorial Day and indeed in every day life... road trips, barbecues, visiting loved ones, traveling... are all possible because of war veterans.

I never got his name but that's okay... I don't know the names of all his buddies either or all the names of every veteran but every Memorial Day and beyond, I'll always remember my encounter with him and be forever grateful to him and all war veterans for my freedom.

With so many soldiers dying in Iraq and Afghanistan today, it's important, so important, to never ever forget what the military does for us. Regardless of your political view or your religious beliefs, it's so important to support and pray for the troops. Those past, passed, present and future.

I was featured in an article about reaching goals from Tom Scarda's Spot.
http://ping.fm/HnuKd

Off to Cleveland to perform at Hilarities http://ping.fm/NQK9s

Don't know why if you only have 1head, why do hotels insist on putting 27 pillows on the bed. Is Medusa checking in?

I'm a guest Sat 11:30am May 15 on the radio show THE CHECK SPOT. http://ping.fm/CvChe

In this article, I brag about my hero - my mother.
http://ping.fm/BTN4W

Performing Fri May 7 @ Skytop Brew HaHa 9:30PM call 845-340-4277 for reservations.
http://ping.fm/za7gf

It's all about me in The Greek Hollywood Reporter http://ping.fm/Js9Og

Off to perform in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania. What's next? New York, Idaho?

Interviewed on 92.9 WBPM Radio with Jack and Andre 2 promote my upcoming show in Kingston NY May 7 at the Brew HaHa SkyTop

Hey Greeks! Jimmy Santis and I "It's All Greek to Me"musical comedy show. Sun May 16 http://ping.fm/hRjj9

Performing Greek/American show with Jimmy Santis in Bellmore, Long Island May 16. Get your tickets here: http://ping.fm/0U3tt

I have one more performance at Halifax Comedy Festival for over 1000 people at the Rebecca Cohn Theater. Rock on!

Performed at sold out show last night at Halifax Comedy Festival! Awesome!

In Halifax for The Halifax Comedy Festival. Having a blast! http://ping.fm/tWF83

Packing for Halifax Comedy Festival 2morrow

Performing Friday, April 16 at the Ridgefield Community Center. Call 201-390-0799 for tickets.

Article on my adventures with standup in Outback Australia. My story is on page 3.
http://ping.fm/q1WgK

Back in NYC from Calgary after a fantastic show! Love you Canada.

Auditioned 2day and had a blast. Calgary this weekend. Life's good. Loving the ride!

Awesome gig at Jokers Wild. Thank you all!

Off to yoga. The only male in class. I'm a lamb amongst very flexible wolves in tights

Performing at the jokers wild April 2-3 http://ping.fm/fN8nI

Appeared on NY Rocks TV show http://ping.fm/7Xvyc

Was invited to perform at the Halifax Comedy Festival http://ping.fm/2BAho

Fox 40 TV appearance.

Off to Greene, NY for an afternoon gig.

Performing 2morrow night at Harrington Raceway in DE. 2 shows.http://ping.fm/qa3hE

My article in The Times-Leder. http://ping.fm/zxB2e

Just finished taping NY Rocks TV Show

At UNCLE VINNIE'S in STATEN ISLAND, NY
FEB 26 27
Call: 718-667-3500
http://ping.fm/pvhiH

Will be performing at The Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT this Saturday night February 13 with Kevin Meaney.
9 PM show. 860-862-4500
Sunday, February 14 at Gotham Comedy Club in New York City for the Hearts for Haiti Benefit. 3 PM show. 212-367-9000

Another article on yours truly. :-)
http://ping.fm/njRB3

To the woman with stage 4 cancer who embraced me after my show and said she laughed so hard that I gave her an extra five years... I love you. You're one of the many reasons I love what I do. Here's wishing you at least an extra twenty!
http://ping.fm/LdP9D

Will be performing at The 19th Hole at Meadows Golf Club Saturday, Jan 30
79 Two Bridges Rd.Lincoln Park, NJ 07035 976-696-9741 9 PM Show

Was featured in this Backstage Magazine article about attending the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute
http://ping.fm/11gsz

Happy Australia Day to my family, friends, patriots in Australia and all over the world. :-)

Was one of the frequent fliers interviewed by MSNBC regarding how safe we all feel when traveling.
http://ping.fm/0sdU8

Will be performing at The Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York Wednesday night January 20. 8 PM
http://ping.fm/NZykH

Here's the link to the radio show promoting the movie tomorrow at 1 PM EST http://ping.fm/BUQtt

I'm working on a monumental movie project that I wrote and will be in called, Not Until She Sings. It's about cancer but it's also a comedy. Things are coming to fruition. My goal is to have some of the box office to go to the American Cancer Society as well as other charities. Here's the link to the on-air radio promotion tomorrow at 1 PM EST

http://ping.fm/1vrxv

I had the most amazing time at Riddles Comedy Club. Thank you to all the wonderful people that came to the show. I do mean it when I say I love you all! Thank you Kenny, Patti, Ricky, Matt and the awesome staff. Damn am I blessed! Chicago rocks. :-)

Will be at Riddles Comedy Club this week. January 14-17.

http://ping.fm/Mbl5T

Will be at Riddles Comedy Club this week. January 14-17.

http://ping.fm/tYTo8

Will be at Riddles Comedy Club this week. January 14-17.

http://ping.fm/vQAKQ

Will be at Riddles Comedy Club this week. January 14-17.

http://ping.fm/Mrk8J

Shooting my final scenes in the movie, "Uncle Melvin's Apartment" tomorrow.

Had a fantastic time performing at City Steam! Awesome club, awesome staff, awesome audience! Thank you. I love what I do.

Got on the train from Hartford CT back to NYC for a major audition. Then went back to Hartford. Had a blast performing for the amazing audience tonight at City Steam!

Got on the train from Hartford, CT back to New York City for a major audition. Then went back to Hartford. Had a blast performing for the amazing audience tonight at City Steam!

Performing at City Steam in Hartford, Connecticut Thursday night through Saturday night, January 7-9 .

Was interviewed for an upcoming feature article for an online women's magazine about intimacy stuff. heheh.

is driving to a wonderful Greek, corporate gig in Stamford, Connecticut and waving to the Eskimos on the way.