Robert Canelli
- Actor
- Producer
Robert Canelli is an award-winning American actor and producer who is best known for his role as Bobby Stallon in the short film "So You're the Guy" (2018), directed by Mike Messier, which won him best cast in a short comedy from the ALTFF Film Festival in Toronto. Most recently, Robert has been cast as seasoned TV-anchor Chandler Rigazzi in the upcoming film "Mightyclaw" (2023), written and directed by Gary Fierro. Robert also Produced and had a supporting role in the film "The Legends of Two Pines" (2022), when he portrayed Jack 'Pops' Mitchell in the sifi-thriller written and directed by Michael T. Lombardi. He also played Principal Shell in the comedic feature film "The Dangerfield's Class of 63" (2019). Other credits include, "Infected" (2016), "I Am a Bullet" (2016), "DUI" (2014), "WISP" (2013), "Robotrip" (2012), and the web series "Pleading Sanity" (2013). Canelli made his debut in the comedy, "That's All Folks" as a cross-dressing psychopath, and a half-bearded psychiatrist in "The Trouble with Clowns." In 2010, Canelli portrayed the New York City crime boss, Vincent DiNapoli in "Holyland."
Canelli began his career as a science teacher in New Haven, Connecticut and then worked his way up to principal of a New Haven high school. It was there that Canelli got his first taste of acting. He was so impressed by his students' performances that he asked to be in the next year's play, "West Side Story." He landed a small role, convincing the director that the students needed to see him in a different way. The response from the students and teachers was overwhelming to Canelli, even though he had no idea what he was doing. He fell in love with acting, and from there, Canelli enrolled in acting classes at the "Actors Gym" in Hamden, CT. It was there that Canelli met and studied under the direction of Reno Venturi. Later, Canelli joined the Southeastern Connecticut Film Company and began to be cast in short films. Canelli continued to work in community theater and commercials.
Besides acting, Canelli is an avid runner, finishing the New York City Marathon twice, raising money for cancer research. He also surfs and skis. Canelli credits many people in his life who encouraged him to chase his dream. He realized that during his career as a teacher and principal, he was always performing, whether in front of a classroom or a staff meeting. It's safe to say that Robert Canelli has been acting pretty much his entire life.
Canelli began his career as a science teacher in New Haven, Connecticut and then worked his way up to principal of a New Haven high school. It was there that Canelli got his first taste of acting. He was so impressed by his students' performances that he asked to be in the next year's play, "West Side Story." He landed a small role, convincing the director that the students needed to see him in a different way. The response from the students and teachers was overwhelming to Canelli, even though he had no idea what he was doing. He fell in love with acting, and from there, Canelli enrolled in acting classes at the "Actors Gym" in Hamden, CT. It was there that Canelli met and studied under the direction of Reno Venturi. Later, Canelli joined the Southeastern Connecticut Film Company and began to be cast in short films. Canelli continued to work in community theater and commercials.
Besides acting, Canelli is an avid runner, finishing the New York City Marathon twice, raising money for cancer research. He also surfs and skis. Canelli credits many people in his life who encouraged him to chase his dream. He realized that during his career as a teacher and principal, he was always performing, whether in front of a classroom or a staff meeting. It's safe to say that Robert Canelli has been acting pretty much his entire life.