Juan Pablo Di Pace

Juan Pablo Di Pace  Born 25 July 1979  Actor Singer Director

Juan was born in Buenos Aires and is of Argentinian descent.  Moving to Spain when he was 12, he was awarded a scholarship from the United World College of the Adriatic in Trieste, Italy when he was 17.  He also lived in London, UK for 10 years, studying Theatre in London at the London Studio Centre, where he was awarded a scholarship on the day he was meant to return to leave, thus beginning his acting career in London and in Spain.
                                              

He was in the lead role in the production of Chicago in London and was Danny Zuko in the musical Grease in Trieste, which was also directed by him in part.  My fave musical.  Hey Juan was born in the same year, 1979, when the film of Grease was released in the UK.  Now would you call that ironic or was he fated to play that role!  I would call it Kismet, since he also played Danny in a school production. He was in the Spanish production of Saturday Night Fever  from 2009-2010, in which he played the lead character, Tony Manero, won him critical acclaim across Europe.  On his role in Chicago he said, "I suppose doing that show was my proof that I could dance , so I had to move onwards to my real passion, acting."

On directing Juan said, "when you direct you get to create the mood and point of view, it's an amazing experience."  Sometimes he finds it a little difficult to memorize lines, especially if he has to change his accent, understandable, as in Dallas, I could detect his hint of a Spanish dialect, but then he was meant to be Mexican, so that would've helped too.  However he is fluent in Spanish, Italian and English.

Juan was in numerous British TV shows whilst living in London which included, The Catherine Tate Show, New Tricks, Aftersun and in the soap River City. As well as many Spanish productions such as, Supercharly, Los Hombros de Paco, Fisica O Quimica.  Other shows include guesting in US series, Camp.  To be seen next year in the NBC mini-series, A.D, playing Jesus!  No, I won't go there with comments!! ha.

He released an album entitled, Primer Acto (Act One).  You may recall him from the video of the Eric Prydz version of Call On Me.  Always showed a snippet of this in the Now That's What I call Music ad here for various releases of songs in album compilation.

Juan made his feature film debut in Survival Island and played Petros in the film Mamma Mia (2008) and got the chance to star alongside Pierce Brosnan (a little jealous here, but only a little! ha. Love Pierce!) and not to mention Mr Darcy too, Colin Firth.  But he did have a presence in that movie and not just for his singing voice alone!!  It's great that he has a stunning voice, as well as his striking Latin American looks.  A veritable Latin Lothario!  No, it's not all about looks, tall, dark and handsome he is, yet he's also a very nice person too.

Thus far he will be best known for and best remembered for Dallas in my opinion anyway.  Though he's young, has a long way to go yet as far as his career will extend.  But bad boy Nicolas Trevino/ Joaquin is one that has put him onto the US radar.  It was a joy to watch him go from so-called gorgeous, good guy to bad, piling up the body count and breaking plenty of hearts on and off screen! And not only cos it was his first role that he landed (no pun) as soon as he literally got off the plane in LA, visiting his sister, Victoria.  Okay it was a week, but what's a week in LA, right?  Particularly since they didn't, well couldn't, cast his character!  A true compliment if ever there was one in terms of not being able to find anyone suited (again no pun, see next line) enough for Nicolas!

That black suit of his brought out his sex appealing features, not surprising since they were especially fitted for him at Neiman Marcus, in Dallas  and this show also had plenty of shirtless moments too with Nicolas! Phew, but I think he looks exceptional in a black waistcoat and white shirt.  There's something stunning about a gorgeous man in a white shirt!!  Hmm, wonder if he has been called a sex symbol yet?  Well never mind if he hasn't cos I just did!  I had to be shallow for just one moment! Yet he's much more than that!  Very talented, intelligent, smart and charming.

Oh his role of Nicolas he said, "it's a very cool role to play, basically because I'm asked to play an actor.  Someone who switches from one situation to the next - from one conversation with a person to another conversation with another person. He sees, in every opportunity something to get.  It's very Dallas."

I feel the song he sings, so perfectly, Immortality is so relevant to Juan and his life.  The line, "fulfil your destiny..." is so much about him as that's exactly what he's done and is still doing.  His destiny to be an actor and a singer.  He may have started out on stage in London and that's an impressive way to begin an acting career, but he's also taking the US by storm.  Which not only shows he's incredibly talented, but that not giving up has a huge part to play in following his heart and his ambition.  Most of all, it's always onwards and upwards!

I was so sad that he was in London all these years but that I didn't get a chance to see him in Chicago or to meet him!!  The phrase and oft used cliche that comes to my mind is, "ships that pass in the night." Makes me think of the number of times I must've passed him on the street and not known who he was, especially the early years!  Then that's just me, I'm so sentimental like that!  Hoping he can come back and do another musical (or non-musical, I'm not fussy! ha) on the West End stage or just tread the boards again in a theatre production, would be great to see him on stage.  That's the thing about acting, until you've been on the London theatre stage, you're missing out a lot!  It is almost every actor's dream to do this, but Juan already managed this before moving on.

Returning to Immortality, "I'll make them all remember me," is immensely profound too.  Cos that's what I'll do, don't know about anyone else:remember him in everything he's done in the past and everything he will do in the future!  He's made his mark on me and yes, dare I say he has captured my heart forever!
Also may be alienating many a Celine Dion fan here, but I think his version of  Immortality is even better.  It's very emotional and at the same time, it's also extremely moving.

"We don't say goodbye!..."

Patrick Muldoon

Patrick Muldoon   Born 27th September 1968   Actor Musician Producer


William Patrick Muldoon III was born in San Pedro, California.  His father is a personal injury lawyer.  He is Irish on his father's side and Croatian on his mother's side.  He attended Loyola High School and also the University of Southern California.   Patrick's first job was as a Calvin Klein model, though wouldn't really call that a job! If you know what I mean! Ha. As we get to see plenty of him!  But don't mess with him cos he's a blue belt in Krav Maga, oh and he's 6' 2".
                                                         

You may recall him from Saved by the Bell and as Austin Reed on the popular daytime soap, Days of Our Lives for which he won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Male Newcomer in 1994.  But he is more well known for playing scheming Richard Hart on Melrose Place from 1995-1996.  At least that's the first role I saw him in.  Kind of funny having a name Hart as he was far from possessing a heart.  But his evil ways got him in the end, in the funny scenes where he was killed and then they tried to hide his body.  Some would call that a deserved comeuppance if ever there was one. He said "the thing that is cool about soaps is that because you are acting everyday, the writers are kind of watching you from behind the scenes and so you can kind of influence where your character goes.  The writers want to write to your strengths, so if you're funny they'll try and incorporate that. If you're intense, they'll make you emotional.  But it's pretty much what they write is what you do."

Patty's a bit of a mix of everything and can play to our hearts strings as well as being funny and he says he has a "vile sense of humour."  That's always super sexy in any one.

Patrick later went onto to Starship Troopers (1997).  He so needed to be at #LFCC July 2014 (though it was a fiasco) cos his other co-stars from the movie were here!  Or any convention going in London!!  He was chosen as one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People.  Well they got that right!  He is also brother-in-law of the famous Zappa family.  Would love to have seen him in Celebrity Ghost Stories, which we didn't get here.  Perhaps we may get it 2018, but I did get to watch it and it was great!

Patrick is the lead singer of rock band, The Sleeping Masses, as well as guitarist.  Love his song, Glowing like Gold, that cello is so haunting and yes he can sing!!  Okay I won't big it up as that much of a shock, but you know not everyone can hold a tune! Ha.  He decided on the band name after he read everything he could get his hands on relating to philosophy; "all the authors and philosophers had the same message about not going through your life asleep.  About this time my partner Neil and I were forming the band and I said, 'I've got the name' and he said it was a cool name for a band.  It kind of came from a philosophical place...it's just a cool rock and roll name.  It makes a good T-shirt. That's all you need."  Yeah you sure do and maybe I should get working on that T-shirt quicksmart for you!  Such a great actor and so talented musically too, as I said.  Yes I gush lyrical when it comes to Patty!

He has starred in many a TV movie and we get to see him in A Boyfriend for Christmas every year, though as I say, if had him as a boyfriend, he'd be for life and not Christmas! ha. His other Christmas films include, Christmas Town,  All About Christmas Eve.  His repertoire of movies include, Deadly Pursuits, Wicked, Black Cat Run, Final Ascent, Broken Angel, K-11 and most recently Fatal Acquittal.  Where I had him pegged as the bad guy from the outset! ha.

Patrick used to be afraid of heights after a fire trapped him in a lift with his grandparents in Palm Springs as a teen.  But he got himself out of that phobia by willing himself to get into a lift cos LA has plenty of those and he went to university there, as well as all those auditions.
Patrick enjoys playing both heartthrob and bad boy roles and he's suited to both, his gorgeous eyes and perfect smile is enough to fool anyone into believing his 'sob' story and hey, luckily he's a nicer than nice guy in real life!

He loves his wasabi! "I'll order a sushi roll or whatever and the roll is just a way for me to eat the wasabi.  It goes in my nasal cavity and the more I sweat the more I like it!"  Okay sweating for the wrong reasons or right!  Ha.  His idea of the perfect holiday: "tropical destinations and tropical drinks [as if LA isn't tropical enough!]  Drinks with umbrellas and pineapple.  I want the drink as tropical as the destination."  So would I!   Hey he's really into his food and drink!

He always looks so stylish and cool in whatever he wears, no wonder he was a model, but he particularly looks more appealing in jumpers!  But a good tie with a great suit doesn't go amiss! Or a towel or two!  Ha. And those gorgeous baby blues don't hurt either!

Eric Szmanda

Eric Kyle Szmanda  Born 24 July 1975   Actor

Eric was born in Mukwonago, Wisconsin and is 6'.  He graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Pasadena California at 19.   Before going into acting he worked for a music distributor.  After roles in such shows as The Net (TV show), Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane, Eric finally found his home in CSI.  He's appeared in the show since 2000.  Said Eric, "I don't think I will ever do a sitcom again, but I think that on CSI because the calibre of the show is so high that it's almost like watching a movie.  I feel like I'm doing a movie a lot of the time that I'm working."

                                        
Having said that, as Greg the CSI, he still manages to be funny and get those jokes in, to that end his comic timing is perfect, just like him.  As he said, "...now I'm making dumb jokes and learning something," on how CSI helps him learn more science, which he didn't think he'd be doing after school.   It was good that he got out from the lab and into the field as this gave him more of an on screen presence and chance to shine on the show.  As well as for us to get to know him more.  It was also Eric who wanted Greg to get out into the field and was good to see the producers actually taking on board his suggestion and following it.  Which got Greg going through plenty, writing a book, eventually completed, being beaten up, meeting a femme fatale and going through the ringer both for his job and in Greg's personal life and he's still standing, still fighting for the underdogs and bringing justice to the Vics!

Eric loves to hike and surf, has a dog called Dax.  He has a particular love for music and was music directer on the movie, Life As A House, which featured the music of Marilyn Manson, of whom Eric is a friend and a fan.  Also appearing in one of his videos for the song, (s)AINT and Sigur Ros is one of his fave bands.  Being instrumental in getting their music on the show.
                                                     
                                                     

Not only is Eric cuteness personified, but he is so down to earth and kind and is particularly active in the support of the US Campaign for Burma.  Though some have said his face isn't a fit for the show, they couldn't be further from the truth.  Not only does he exude an on air persona which makes you want to watch him more as an actor and not just as a character, he has a way of capturing and drawing you in and not just cos of his gorgeous looks, but his acting ability, so subtle in some scenes and yet charming too .

Eric is on Twitter and is generous to his fans. I recall writing to him when he was first in CSI and he wrote back personally, showing how much time he does take with his fans.  Eric once commented, "I think what happens in Vegas, should stay in Vegas"  CSI put him on the map, but there's plenty more for him to do once CSI runs its course and he has the potential to go so much further and be even more successful. Thus taking his line to a different meaning, since what he's done in Vegas is only the tip of the iceberg.

Words of wisdom, "I've always been a firm believer that if you work, the rest will follow."

                                                  

In a way, guess I'll always remember him for that head dress scene in season 1.15 Table Stakes, so cool and hilarious. And well we can always watch his ever changing hairstyles over the years!

Robert Taylor

Robert Taylor  Actor/Director  Born 7 July 1963

Robert was born in Melbourne, Australia and his parents separated when he was 9, he moved to Western Australia to live wit his aunt and uncle.  His mother had to find work and bring up three children.  He had a varied number of jobs when older, ranging from miner, to bouncer and lifeguard.  He also attended university as well as working on an oil rig in the Indian Ocean when he was 23.  He had an accident on the rig where his ship collided and sank, he hurt his arm and ribs. But as he said in one interview, he's still around.  He then decided he wanted to become an actor after seeing an ad and successfully auditioned for a place at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

                                            
Yeah we surrender too! Ha.  To your charm!
He used to swim marathons, play water polo, Australian Rules Football, competed in surfing and life saving, well Australia is a sporty nation.  He is 6' 3", hey that's a whole foot on me, ha!

His first role was that of Nicholas Walsh in Home and Away, funny where one of the characters in the show described Nicholas as a "wimp."  Funny cos it was far from the truth.  He's  remarkably eye catching in 1989 and was the first time that I got to know who he was.  Haven't missed him in anything since, well maybe a few things!  But happy to say I've been a fan since way back when and not a recent convert after his foray into Longmire.  Yeah I'm one of those people who see certain actors early on and then just stick with them through the years! Ha.  He once said, "I've been working pretty solidly for a long time...not that anyone would notice, you know what I mean."  Ahh, I did!!

Other roles in his native Australia included shows such as, Feds, Blue Healers, Stingers, as well as films such as Storm Warning, Rogue, Coffin Rock.  He is best known especially in the US, for playing Agent Jones in The Matrix and in Vertical Limit.  But he starred in much more than that.  In the UK he is best known as playing Father Vincent Sheahan in Ballykissangel and also as Detective Peter Marenta in short lived Brit detective show, Yellowthread Street from 1989 (See above pic.)  More recently he was also in an ep of Aussie crime series, Mr and Mrs Murder which we only got three eps of here in the UK and was so looking forward to seeing it.
                                                         

Robert landed the role of Sheriff Walt Longmire as producers were looking for someone who isn't that well known but they were so right in their casting choice as Rob fits the role to a tee.  He's got the height, the build, the accent and that cowboy hat and coat is just icing on the cake.  Cos he really puts the rugged in ruggedly handsome.  Not that he doesn't look great in a suit, but the casual jeans look just suits him more, ha no pun or anything sure I could've found a more apt and fitting word than suits, speaking of attire. Hmm wonder if I can find him in any purple, ha.

                                                

He said, "I love the show, I love the people working on it, I love the character...I wanted to get this job so I probably tried a bit harder."  He had been to New Mexico before on a few occasions and one time bought a Hopi Indian belt buckle with a bear claw design, which he's worn ever since and even Longmire sports the same.  He's also averse to technology, preferring an old style mobile phone (can relate to that) and shys away from social media, such as Facebook, where his official page is run by someone else for him.  "I was never comfortable doing all that self promoting.  I'm just happy to be working.  I'm in a great show..I can pay my bills.  I'm lucky."  We're even luckier to watch him on our screens after it all seems like a long absence. Like catching up with an 'old friend' after all these years.  At least to me it does, having seen him since his early days.

It's a shame he isn't very well known for all the work that he's done, he's been around for at least over twenty years, but here's hoping that Longmire will fix that, though Rob does tend to shy away from fame and being well known, but it kind of comes with the territory of being an actor.  Robert of course shares the same name with the late Hollywood actor and it appears not many people had heard of him either.  (Which means not many people know that the late Hollywood actor's real name was Spangler Arlington Brugh.)

I love Rob's wry sense of humour, sarcastic at times, but he maintains his feet firmly on the ground and like most of his fellow Aussie actors hasn't let being in the limelight and fame go to his head.  As modest as ever. A true asset to his profession.

Chris Meloni

Chris Meloni  Actor  Born 2 April 1961

Another special request!

Christopher Peter Meloni was long into the limelight before his iconic role of Det Elliot Stabler in Law and Order: SVU came along.  He was born in Washington DC and also has a brother and a sister.  He was a quarterback at high school as well as at the University of Colorado at Boulder, here he also studied acting. Chris went through the usual jobs whilst breaking into acting,  including a construction worker, bartender, bouncer and a personal trainer.  No wonder he needs no help when it comes to maintaining his athletic physique!  Especially for those shirtless roles of which there have been many.

                                               

Chris said, "I love to act. I need to act.  It's the big itch I need to scratch."  His interests include chess, windsurfing, pinochle (a North American card game.)  He's written some screen pays and "half finished plays."  Well there's my Twitter question answered. Ha. Chris also makes a "real phat batch of chili."

His early work also included playing Julia Robert's fiance, Bob in Runaway Bride.  Know what you're thinking, why would anyone run away from Chris as their fiance!!  For five years he starred in prison drama Oz for HBO, known for its controversial and no holes barred scenes and storylines, including gratuitous sex scenes. Heck - I have friends who have watched that show for those scenes alone! Ha.  Chris isn't one to shy away from all that and reveal all.  He once said, "I'm a nudist at heart."  Which sums it all up really, ha.

In fact he starred in both Oz and L&O:SVU simultaneously when he landed the role of Elliot in 1999 and starred in that role for 12 years.  Sadly he left when unable to negotiate a new contract.  Which was a shame to see him go since he portrayed that part with such passion, emotion and gusto and it was so believable.
                                                      
At the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con event he said how he, "loved the people and I loved that character."  So did we all!  In 2011 he was cast as Roman in True Blood, where he really got his teeth into that role.  His blue eyes, gorgeous smile and easy-going personality has left many a fan swooning, and not just from the parts he's played on screen either.  He was also in People Magazine 2006's Sexiest Men Alive list.  Chris is also an accomplished poker player and has played for charity, coming second after Robin Tunney, in Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown. 

Currently he is starring in Surviving Jack, which takes him back to comedy and where he started out. Showing his adeptness at multiple character roles.  My friend won't talk to me unless I mention his great butt and how there's a poll on for that.  SO vote for Chris's sexy bum, ha!  Underneath that neat shirt and tie lies a mass of tattoos which we've all seen, cos I know many would love to see him bare chested more often, hey can't get enough of him!

Chris is charming, talented and caring and really makes times for others, whether charities or fans. "I never find sincerity offensive...so be sincere."

                                                 
Not only is he missed in his role of Stabler in  Law and Order: SVU but what is exceptional about him is his treatment and acknowledgement of his fans.  Taking time to tweet and to follow, as well as spending a while answering fan questions in his #askChris slot on Twitter.  Yeah I call it a slot, cos it's very regular and extremely kind and generous of him to do so, a great, fun guy.  A celebrity who truly cares about his fans, usually a rarity these days!