Ask comedian Mike Marino about how he defines success and he’ll tell you that success in show business means earning a living doing what you love whether you’re famous or not.

 “My goal was to become a stand up comedian and actor who doesn’t need a part-time job to support himself,” says Mike. “I achieved that goal by not giving up. I’m a hard worker. I hone my skills every day to make sure I’m valuable to the folks that book me. I’ve got a retirement plan and can support myself. That’s success.”

Mike was bit by the acting bug early and has pursued his goal with a single-minded sense of purpose for as long as he can remember.

“This is all I’ve ever wanted to do,” says Mike. “I wrote the play for my third grade class. I started auditioning as soon as I could figure out how to get into auditions.”

He’s not kidding. Back when Mike got into the business there was no such thing as an open call (for you non-Hollywood types an open call is an audition that anyone can go to – with or without an agent). At that time Mike didn’t have an agent. In order to even be allowed to audition he had to ‘figure out’ how to get in.

“I’m Italian,” says Mike with a grin. “I found a way. I used to listen to the name of the agent the guy in front of my used and give the same name when it was my turn.”

It worked like a charm until he got a call back.

“This agent calls me and says, ‘You Mike Marino? You got a call back on the commercial you auditioned for … you can use me this time but don’t ever do that again!’ I got the commercial and had six agents calling me after that. I learned a valuable lesson that day … agents will forgive a lot if you can land work!”



Despite the nepotism that runs rampant in Hollywood, Mike was cast in several high-profile commercials very early in his career.

“If you’re not born into the club you have to figure out how to network into it just to get a shot,” says Mike. “Of course once you get that shot you better be good.”

One look at his resume will tell
you exactly how good Mike Marino is. He has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, one earning him a Clio Award Nomination. He has also appeared in may Prime Time Television shows including roles in "Becker", "Nikki", "Frasier,"and "Party of Five". Mikes film credits include "Errors, Freaks and Oddities", "Shacked Up", "Bella Cam", "Totally Blonde, "Yo, Alien" and "Love, Fear and the 14th St. Chicken."



With great success in theatre, commercials and Soaps in his back pocket, Mike began touring the nation performing at comedy clubs. His comedic style landed him a guest set on the Martin Short Show, and made him a regular sketch player on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Mike has also been featured on many radio shows including Rick Dees, Howard Stern, the 5 O'Clock Funnies and The Anthony Vultaggio Show.

He’s also performed at over 200 corporate functions for companies including AT&T, United Airlines, American Express, Paul Mitchell, IBM, Wella, Merrill Lynch, Sebastian, and the LAPD.

“My parents weren’t showbiz people,” says Mike. “I had to figure out a lot on my own. I worked hard and made my own connections. It was tough but there’s no other business for me!”

Mike connected with his current agent 16 years ago.

“Bob Gonzo helps me to connect the dots,” says Mike. “He picks me up when I’m down and straightens my head out when I’m confused. In this town you need a guy like Bob in your corner.”

Despite his bad-boy reputation, Mike Marino knows how to give back. His active participation in charity events has raised millions of dollars for various non-profits including one that supports the families of slain police officers. Mike has performed for numerous charities including Aids Project - LA, Haven House, Team earthworks, and the Eric Davis Cancer Fund.

“Giving back is just what I do,” says Mike in a no-nonsense tone. “You do right by people because it’s the right thing to do. Period.”



Check out http://www.mikemarino.net/index2.html for more information about Mike Marino.