Gino Salvano(I)
- Actor
- Producer
- Casting Department
Born in Beirut, Lebanon he was blessed with an old fashioned family. Even the tragic effects of a civil war, at the age of 13, never halted his determination to start a successful career that included education as an architect and draftsman. Fulfilling the wishes of his mother, he never met with his own plans for the future. As the only son, at the age of 14, he had a deep sense of national pride and the love of country. Eventually, having personally saved the lives of over thirty people, before reaching the age of 21, his desire for more brought Gino to the United States. First he joined his sister in Ohio, his staying there lasted two years only Finally he found his way to Los Angeles with $50 dollars in his pocket and a desire to pursue an acting career.
Hitting the ground running, working as a valet for a nice Hotel near LAX, Gino was soon discovered by an Italian-Lebanese crowd that brought him financial success leading to the accumulation of wealth, becoming a millionaire. A glamorous lifestyle, while living the high life in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach And Redondo Beach ultimately within two years, Gino's innate generosity and naiveté led to complete financial devastation which took him back to Cleveland, Ohio where he found solace with his sister and his mother, who was now also in residence. Two years in Ohio to recover, was all the time it took for Gino to realize that he needed more. Going to LA did not fulfill that purpose, but a visit to a cousin joey in Boston led him to the opportunity of modeling around New-berry St, more modeling opportunities and a job at a seafood restaurant in glouster City which unfortunately still left him wanting more.
On the advice of a friend, Gino left for the booming city of Miami in 1992 and his first experience in the film industry, when a great casting director as Ellen Jacoby approached him to appear a few movies. The first being the "Bodyguard" starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner and the second "Only the Strong," directed by Sheldon Lettich. The two non speaking roles only whetted Gino's appetite for more, which the casting director recognized as well creating his first big break with an introduction to James Cameron which led to a role in the film "True Lies" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. Even James Cameron, recognized Gino's life experience and potential by making him an advisor beyond being cast as a " bread van terrorist 2" which launched a film career leading to international roles in a French film, an independent British film Command Approved" directed by Graham Moore filmed in the Bahamas. A chance meeting with another cast member, Ronald Lang opened the path for Gino's next opportunity.
After the film was finished, a return to Miami brought an unexpected knock on the door. Ron Lang recounting Gino's aggression and menacing performance at the time of their first meeting, led to discussion of a script, " All About The Benjamin's" later coming to fruition through Ice Cube's production as "bad guy" role Tommy Flanagan which led to a reunion with another casting director Ed Arenas, who called him in on " Bad Boys 2, where after gaining Michael Bay's respect, he was booked with Jordi Molla. Despite continuing film success in Miami, Gino felt the lure of LA again, selling his apartment and on the advisement of an agent, Shae Jacobson, was led to the Abrams Artist Group on Sunset Blvd. Successful placements followed, but never feeling on his destined path for success, Gino's own initiative and resources led to roles on the hit TV show"24" with Kiefer Sutherland in its fourth season and "NCIS LA" with Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J.
Leaving no media opportunity untested, video games and voiceover projects with Barbara Harris continued to expand Gino's horizon. Opportunity reinvented itself with a role in "Spartan" working with renowned writer /Director/ Producer David Mamet , Fifty Cents "Bullet Proof" and finally in meeting with Director Peter Berg for a role in "The Kingdom" as member of special forces. Positive vibes continued to flow in early 2009, with the unexpected Early 2012 began with the wrap of a pilot waiting to be picked up entitled "Revan" with Steven Bauer and James Russo. A good friend and mentor Robert Miano led to the role of Ahmed, a Taliban fighter in "Being American" directed by Fatmir Doga, where again, Gino was enlisted as an Arabic advisor on the film with respect his real life military experiences as a passionate dedicated soldier.
Gino flew to Miami in August to take on the challenge as a menacing Middle Eastern arms dealer Rashad, in the internationally recognized television show "Burn Notice" episode titled "Down & Out" playing alongside accomplished actor "Alon Aboutboul"
Hitting the ground running, working as a valet for a nice Hotel near LAX, Gino was soon discovered by an Italian-Lebanese crowd that brought him financial success leading to the accumulation of wealth, becoming a millionaire. A glamorous lifestyle, while living the high life in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach And Redondo Beach ultimately within two years, Gino's innate generosity and naiveté led to complete financial devastation which took him back to Cleveland, Ohio where he found solace with his sister and his mother, who was now also in residence. Two years in Ohio to recover, was all the time it took for Gino to realize that he needed more. Going to LA did not fulfill that purpose, but a visit to a cousin joey in Boston led him to the opportunity of modeling around New-berry St, more modeling opportunities and a job at a seafood restaurant in glouster City which unfortunately still left him wanting more.
On the advice of a friend, Gino left for the booming city of Miami in 1992 and his first experience in the film industry, when a great casting director as Ellen Jacoby approached him to appear a few movies. The first being the "Bodyguard" starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner and the second "Only the Strong," directed by Sheldon Lettich. The two non speaking roles only whetted Gino's appetite for more, which the casting director recognized as well creating his first big break with an introduction to James Cameron which led to a role in the film "True Lies" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. Even James Cameron, recognized Gino's life experience and potential by making him an advisor beyond being cast as a " bread van terrorist 2" which launched a film career leading to international roles in a French film, an independent British film Command Approved" directed by Graham Moore filmed in the Bahamas. A chance meeting with another cast member, Ronald Lang opened the path for Gino's next opportunity.
After the film was finished, a return to Miami brought an unexpected knock on the door. Ron Lang recounting Gino's aggression and menacing performance at the time of their first meeting, led to discussion of a script, " All About The Benjamin's" later coming to fruition through Ice Cube's production as "bad guy" role Tommy Flanagan which led to a reunion with another casting director Ed Arenas, who called him in on " Bad Boys 2, where after gaining Michael Bay's respect, he was booked with Jordi Molla. Despite continuing film success in Miami, Gino felt the lure of LA again, selling his apartment and on the advisement of an agent, Shae Jacobson, was led to the Abrams Artist Group on Sunset Blvd. Successful placements followed, but never feeling on his destined path for success, Gino's own initiative and resources led to roles on the hit TV show"24" with Kiefer Sutherland in its fourth season and "NCIS LA" with Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J.
Leaving no media opportunity untested, video games and voiceover projects with Barbara Harris continued to expand Gino's horizon. Opportunity reinvented itself with a role in "Spartan" working with renowned writer /Director/ Producer David Mamet , Fifty Cents "Bullet Proof" and finally in meeting with Director Peter Berg for a role in "The Kingdom" as member of special forces. Positive vibes continued to flow in early 2009, with the unexpected Early 2012 began with the wrap of a pilot waiting to be picked up entitled "Revan" with Steven Bauer and James Russo. A good friend and mentor Robert Miano led to the role of Ahmed, a Taliban fighter in "Being American" directed by Fatmir Doga, where again, Gino was enlisted as an Arabic advisor on the film with respect his real life military experiences as a passionate dedicated soldier.
Gino flew to Miami in August to take on the challenge as a menacing Middle Eastern arms dealer Rashad, in the internationally recognized television show "Burn Notice" episode titled "Down & Out" playing alongside accomplished actor "Alon Aboutboul"
