Mark Elam Cheney
- Actor
Mark Elam Cheney was born in Bremerton, Washington, the only naturally born son of Aloa Marie Woods and Gary Elam Cheney, who taught ballroom dancing to local teens in the evening and weekends. When Mark was 6, Marie, a professional seamstress, and Gary, a city bus driver and safety instructor, adopted his 4 year old brother. His parents did many live-in fix-and-flips, so Mark spent his childhood moving around Western Washington, attending elementary school in Bremerton, then Junior High and High School in Port Orchard. His summers were spent enjoying the delights of commercial fishing, where his curious nature earned him the nickname "Little How Come?". His interest in performing was sparked in his junior year of high school, when his crush performed the lead in that year's theatre production of South Pacific and he wanted to be in that romantic role with her. Without any real talent in singing, and no past performance experience, and with a hope of being cast with her, he auditioned his Senior year for The King and I, and was cast in the supporting actor role of The Kralahome, the only non-singing role. She didn't audition at all. Item of note, Damon Martin, played Captain Orton and other roles in the same production with him. At the age of 19, and after two semesters of college, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After returning home, Mark continued his studies, eventually earning his first college degree, in Electrical Engineering. During his 25 year career in IT, Mark also earned a degree in Business and Communications, and an MBA in IT Management. He has been an Astronaut Candidate Applicant Candidate and looks forward to applying again. Mark has been married to the love of his life for 3 decades, and is honored to be the father to their two wonderful adult children. Opportunities to speak publicly or MC an event were always welcome enjoyments, but family life and a career in IT took priority for many years. Eventually a happy coincidence occurred that introduced Mark to a talent agent, and his spark to perform publicly was reignited. Mark specializes in Film, TV, Commercial and streaming web-series as an actor.