by Nick Christophers
The Manhattan skyline rose from the Hudson River like a powerful giant and across the river on the Jersey side another type of giant was rising. At Frank Sinatra Park in Hoboken, a classic play was underway entitled “On The Waterfront”. On the center change was Lou Vanaria playing a part in the classic production. He was joined by fellow actors, Vincent Pastore, Robert Funaro and Jason Cerbone. With little time to rehearse Lou put on a superior performance. Even though Lou has been seen in many films, his first love was always singing.
“I never wanted to be an actor. I always wanted to be a singer. But it just kind of happened that acting came looking for me. I was at a wedding in the Bronx singing in a band. When I heard there was an open call for this film entitled the “Bronx Tale” which I knew nothing about. All I knew was that Chazz Palminteri was involved I never knew that Robert DeNiro was involved. So I went thinking I can do some singing in the film. But they told me this was not a musical but a period piece. So I walked out kind of bumped out then Chazz approached me and said that I have this character face. He read for the role “Crazy Mario” and I read for Robert D a few times and that was that.”
Eventually Lou got the role and that began his career in acting. He never had to do extra work or anything like that. It was a lucky break for him. But he proved to be right for the part and made the film a success along with the other characters. Even Robert DeNiro told Lou not to take acting classes — he wanted Lou just to be himself a kid from the Bronx; the realism was all he wanted.
For Lou playing the part of Crazy Mario was a real challenge and he was nervous at least 90% of the time. But the realism of the piece and guidance of the other actors made it easier. “I wish I could have done a better job then, to take what I know now and use it then. I think I am a much better actor now and if I was do the film now it would be much better.”
Lou’s first gig with singing was at Nino’s Restaurant in Manhattan with his idol Mike Ester who had him come up and sing. The first song he sang was “Come Rain or Come Shine”. After he sang Mike told Lou he has to tackle the music business because he could make it work. Eventually Lou would have a regular gig every Wednesday and Friday at Nino’s.
Then one night a gentleman by the name of Dee Anthony who happens to be a manager of Tony Bennett, Peter Allen and Joe Cocker came in and offered his services to Lou. Lou accepted and he ended up opening for Connie Francis, Jay Leno and Al Martino. He also went on to do shows in Atlantic City and Foxwoods. This was the beginning of his singing career and acting career.
After the success of “Bronx Tale” his career would blow up as he was offered parts on various TV shows. He would play a mechanic in four episodes of the smash hit series Law & Order. Lou would move on to do two episodes on CRIMINAL INTENT then two seasons with Kirk Cameron. He moved to LA for the show but New York was calling him back.
“Los Angeles is nice but I love New York. I could not wait to get back. I am a New York kid all the way.”
Lou always offered himself to independent films. He played a great hilarious role in “Searching For Bobby D” a Paul Borghese film. Lou has a lot of respect for Independent films since they offer greater creativity as do the majors.
“I feel like I cultivate a character more in an independent film than I can do in a major. I just completed working on the film “Sorcerers Apprentice” with Nick Cage. You’re like a pawn in the film. I like when I can have more creativity to my role.”
Lou unlike some of his actor/friends prefers film and TV to theater. “I prefer film than onstage acting. I found the play “On The Waterfront” the hardest thing I ever did. I feel like you have to over act so you can reach the last person in the aisle. It is tough for me to project. Normal people do not speak loud. On stage you have to show your emotions I am a subtle guy so it comes hard for me. On TV you can adapt to the role and make it work. Less is more.”
He recently completed a nine week run with actor / singer Tony Darrow on the Off Broadway production “Goodfellas of Comedy”. He opened up every show with his singing talents and really brought down the house.
Presently, Lou is working on a pilot entitled “Manhattan/ Kansas” (a Danny Provenzano production) which is a dark comedy built around certain situations. He is also going back to work with friend and actor/director Paul Borghese on his new production entitled “Sixth Family” (which is the working title for now). Lou is going to be playing a Jewish guy which is out of his league since he is Italian.
Even though Lou has been seen in a few mobster roles he has been able to diversify. “I do not feel typecasted since playing a dramatic mobster then playing a comedic one is two different roles. I also played a cop a few times, like in the film “Don’t Say A Word” with Michael Douglas I play an officer.”
Lou would admit that his inspiration for singing derived from acts like Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. As a songwriter he was inspired by Billy Joel and the Bergman’s. If there was anything that Lou would like to do it would be a project where there is a fusion of music and film. Not exactly a musical but something more contemporary.
Lou has recently signed a contract with a publishing house called S-One Songs where they will pitch his songs to movie companies. Lou is on the rise to becoming a class act to follow a true inspiration to the art of singing and acting.
