Carlo Imperato Cast Member of the Month

 

Carlo Imperato was born Anthony Richard Imperato on 3rd August 1963 making his star sign Leo. People born on that date are well noted for their humorous and optimistic personalities.

Born in The Bronx region of New York City, Carlo was raised by his parents Leah and Richard. Growing up Carlo loved sports and karate and was black belt by the age of 7. As a youngster Carlo wanted to be a professional basketball player and had no interest in performing. Then one day when he was 13 a teacher wrote a number on the board for people to call if they wanted to be in a show. Not sure why, Carlo just decided to give it a go.

Despite having no previous experience he got the role in a play called “Runaways” which took him to perform on Broadway and lasted for the next 2 years. From there Carlo decided he wanted to be an actor and switched to a Children’s performing arts school in New York.  Carlo also secured a manager and started getting work in commercials. Then came TV and films; most notably in “The Man in the Santa Claus Suit” with Fred Astaire and the TV show “Angie”.

Carlo auditioned for the original “Fame” movie but was too young for the part. When the TV series came along he auditioned again, this time winning the role of wise cracking drama student and heart-throb Danny Amatullo; “I knew I`d get it because I didn`t want it... There I was in this Beverly Hills suite looking out the window at Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, limousines. I was scared to death...  I was only 17.   I called my Mom. She said to read my lines as best I could; I planned to louse it up just so I could go home.”

However, when he met his rival for the part, who was less than polite, adrenalin and a sense of competition kicked in. Carlo changed his mind and worked hard to make sure he got the role.

Despite struggling with the transition of moving from New York to L.A. and not always being happy with the direction the show went, Carlo stayed with “Fame” for the whole of the 6 season run from 1982 to 1987 where he appeared in 119 episodes of the show. During that time he dated dancer Leanne Gerrish and co star Nia Peeples, who he as also briefly engaged to.

On April 14th 1987 the last scene of the last episode was filmed. Carlo remembers the last day of filming: “We finished the shoot and stopped. All of a sudden it hit us. ...We looked at the director. The crew looked at us. Everybody looked at everybody. They didn`t even say it was a wrap. Then everybody started crying and hugging... They were my family.”

After “Fame”, as well as starring in a number of stage plays including “West Side Story”, Carlo also had appeared in a few TV shows like “Friends” and “Grey’s Anatomy”.

These days family man Carlo, who lives in L.A . He's been married 3 times and has 3 children, Anthony, Vincent and Krisha. He is now more at home behind the scenes as a prop and set builder. He also deals in real estate and has invested in gyms. Although he hasn’t given up acting completely he still finds time to perform with his “Fame” co-star Debbie Allen in her annual “The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” production every Christmas.

Carlo is also involved with the Fameless project with cast mates  Lee Curreri and PR Paul.

He also has joined the Fame Reunions in Italy, L.A. and  in the U.K. although if he had his way he'd rather not have to keep performing "Friday Night"!

Thinking back on Fame Carlo said: “There are so many memories that are embedded in my heart but one that stands out was going on tour and seeing the response from fans overseas. It was Famemania. Just seeing the kids' faces and the love and admiration they expressed will always stand out to me."