Lee Curreri - Cast Member of the Month

 

“I just had no idea of the impact of the movie and that it would become a career for the next four or five years.”

Lee Curreri was born Leonard Charles Curreri on 4^th January 1961 making his star sign Capricorn. Capricorns can be described as creative, strong-minded, mature and love to rise to a challenge.

 Born in the Bronx region of New York, Lee was raised by his parents, Domenica and Joseph, who were school teachers. Lee started playing the piano at 5 years old and also learnt to play the trombone. He made his professional debut aged 15 playing church organ for Masses and weddings. His parents became concerned at how obsessed with music he became; “Music was my art, my hobby and my escape”. 

Aged 16 he left home to live in Manhattan, “I was a very old 16 year old... I was about 99!” and started to attend the Manhattan School of Music. One of his teachers suggested him for the “Fame” Movie; “When I read the script, I thought my phone had been tapped and the writers knew me”.  Despite his lack of acting experience Lee got the job.

Lee then moved to L.A. when he continued his “Fame” role on the TV series. Lee played the sensitive, shy and brilliant music student Bruno Martelli from 1982 to 1984 in the first three seasons. After which Bruno simply disappeared from the show not to be mentioned again until 1987 when Lee returned for the final episode. Lee starred in 54 Episodes.

During his time on the show Lee wrote and performed seven songs as well as instrumental numbers for the dance scenes. Lee also turned his hand to script writing for the season 2 episode “Blood, Sweat and Circuits”.

After “Fame” Lee continued to act for a few years, most notably in the 1986 film “Crystal Heart” and the TV series “Danger Bay”. As the acting jobs came to an end  Lee went on to follow his real passion which was to compose, produce and perform music; “I just kind of went back to really what I enjoy doing which is music and also being behind the scenes.”

 During his eclectic career he has produced songs for Natalie Cole and Kid Creole, played keyboards for Olivia Newton-John and written music for TV shows including “Chicago Hope”, “Gun” and “Liquid TV” as well as ad campaigns for the likes of the Microsoft Network, Turner Broadcasting and Toyota.

In 2004, after years of scoring, record producing and performing, Lee composed and produced the first full length CD of his own original music, "Aquabox", which included the song “Sweet Clarity” which made it to number one on the dance charts. “Aquabox was music that I wanted to hear, but no one else had written it, yet!”

 Lee currently lives in Marina Del Rey in California with his wife Sherry, who is the sister of “Fame” Movie co-star Laura Dean and 2 sons Joey and Sammy. Lee is a keen photographer and also enjoys playing live whenever he can. He currently plays keyboards with a Sicilian band called MODE.

Lee is also working on a new TV series with PR Paul and Carlo Imperato called "Fameless".

“I’m grateful for my time in the movie and TV show for bringing me that audience and bringing me that kind of recognition.”