Robert Nuzzie-Model, Actor and Director
Robert Nuzzie-Model, Director and Actor.
The Reading Cafe recently had the pleasure to interview model, director and actor Robert Nuzzie. Many of you will recognize Robert from his various romance covers, including Christine Feehan’s Wild Fire. Enjoy getting to know a little more about Robert.
TRC: Hi Robert, and welcome to The Reading Cafe. We would like to start with a little background information.
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Year of Birth: 1980
Hometown: New Jersey
Marital Status: Single
Children: None
TRC: Please tell us something about yourself growing up. Family. Siblings. Hobbies?
Robert: I grew up in New Jersey with my mom, dad, and brother. We are a tight-knit family, and love to do things together. I was always an adventurous person, and loved to do things outdoors when possible. Some of my hobbies growing up included surfing, skateboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding.
TRC: What were your goals and aspirations as a young man, growing up in the 90’s?
Robert: I wanted to get a good education. I always wanted to be different from everyone else, and I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I discovered a little later in life that I loved photography, directing, and making films. There’s something so rewarding about seeing your creation come to life from script to screen.
TRC: Your resume includes many different water sports. Were you always interested in water sports, from an early age? What type of sports did you participate in as a child? High school sports?
Robet: Yes, I always loved the water. My mom put me in a Water Babies class when I was less than 6 months old, so I really had no choice! Haha. My parents also used to take us fishing and to the beach a lot, so I grew up around the ocean and developed a love for it. My high school was small and didn’t offer a ton of sports, so I grew up skateboarding and surfing a lot. I did run track for high school though.
TRC: Did you attend college/university? If so, which institute and what was your major?
Robert: I attended Rutgers University and earned a Bachelors Degree in Economics. I continued my education and received a graduate degree in Pharmaceutical Management from NJIT.
TRC: Would you please tell us how you became involved in the modeling industry? Did you always want to be a model? How were you discovered?
Robert: It was something I always thought about doing, and a couple friends of mine dared me to give it a try. Eventually, I moved to Miami, got an agent, and starting working in modeling and television full-time. I have a lot of determination and work hard, so even though I didn’t have a lot of experience in modeling and acting, I was able to book some pretty good jobs that moved me on to the next level. Now, I have multiple agents and a manager who help with my acting career, but recently I’m enjoying working behind the camera as a director. I really like the creative process of film making.
TRC: What was your first gig as a model?
Robert: My first gig was a Dick’s Sporting Goods commercial, and my first print job was for the romance novel, The Sheik and the Pregnant Bride by Susan Mallery.
TRC: You were first brought to our attention through your various romance covers, specifically Christine Feehan’s WILD FIRE. Are you aware of the number of covers your pictures have graced? Do you ever have the right of refusal for any particular cover or magazine?
Robert: I have been on over 25 covers. Usually for romance novels, the models and an art director are hired, and the client gets to pick the final images. So I am pretty much at their liberty when I sign on to do a job.
LINK TO:Robert Nuzzie Covers
TRC: You have been very active in the entertainment industry….print model, cover model, actor and spokesperson for several different companies. Which do you prefer and why?
Robert: I prefer directing and acting in films. Even though I love acting, I don’t know if I would like the lack of privacy if I ever became a bigger name. Directing gives me the chance to still work in the business behind the scenes and create films with meaning.
TRC: Have you ever had a modeling gig/job where everything went wrong?
Robert: I’ve been really lucky, and I haven’t had any jobs go wrong. I have heard some wild stories from my friends though!
TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting roles can be controversial. Some pictures cross the line between sexual and erotic to pornographic. Have you done any nude photographs? What would you tell the young models and actors in the business about doing nudes?
Robert: I haven’t done any nude photographs. You see nudity more and more in films, and I honestly don’t think it’s necessary. I think it’s sexier to use your imagination than to see someone naked. I would tell young models and actors in the business to follow their hearts and not be pressured from anyone to take off their clothes. If you feel it is not right, then don’t do it. It is easy to throw your morals away in this business, but if you stay true to them, you will be happier and more fulfilled in the long run.
TRC: Modeling and acting takes you to exotic locales. What is the favorite place you have ever worked and why?
Robert: I did a commercial in St. Thomas a few years ago. It felt like I was getting paid to go on vacation. What could be better than that?
TRC: What was the worst place you have ever worked and why?
Robert: I love NY, but when I was working on an episode of Kings, I had a shoot that took place on a rooftop in Soho. It was about 20 degrees out, in the middle of winter, and the scene was suppose to take place in the spring. The shoot lasted all night, and we were all in t-shirts and shorts. Some of the girls even had to be in bathing suits! It was not a fun night.
TRC: Are you still involved with Havana Nines Clothing Company? If so, what was your last campaign and where did you shoot the promotions?
Robert: I did their first campaign shoot in Miami, and they still use the images in stores and online. Hopefully I will work with them again on their next campaign.
TRC: Are you still involved with ‘Waxing Poetic Jewelry’? Some of the pieces are very nice…especially the men’s bracelets. Are you involved in any of the design aspects?
Robert: No, I don’t have anything to do with the design aspects. I was hired as a model for Waxing Poetic Jewelry. They usually look for people with nice hands for jewelry shoots, and I seem to book a lot of that kind of stuff, even though I work with my hands a lot and don’t take care of them in any special ways. When I do book a hand modeling job, my friends and family always kid around that I am George Castanza from Seinfeld when he was a hand model, and I don’t leave home without my oven mitts!
TRC: I remember that episode very well. 🙂
TRC: You are also a producer and director….specifically PERSPECTIVE-The Nick Scott Story. Please tell us how you got involved in this project and why?
Robert: Nick Scott is a close friend of mine, and when I started my own production company, I really wanted to do a film about his life as a wheelchair bodybuilder. He is one of the most motivational, driven people I have ever met. I knew he wanted to share his story to help inspire and motivate other people who had obstacles to overcome, so I thought we could work together and bring his story to the big screen. When Perspective debuted at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Film Festival, it won the Best Film Award. Today, we are selling the DVD at www.perspectivethefilm.com to raise money for Nick’s non-profit organization, Wheelchair Athletics.
LINK TO:PERSPECTIVE-The Film
TRC: Are you still in contact with the people involved?
Robert: I am still in contact with all of the people who were involved in the film. Everyone was great to work with, and I developed a lot of long lasting friendships.
TRC: How has this experienced enriched your life? What do you tell others about the real ‘Nick Scott’?
Robert: This experience makes me want to continue to direct, that’s for sure. I learned a lot about the film making process, and I know our next film will be even better. The real Nick Scott is the same person you see in the film. He is very friendly, generous, and a hero to everyone he comes in contact with.
TRC: 2B Entertainment is a production company you started along with Aubree Marchione? How did you get started?
Robert: Aubree Marchione is a close friend of mine. She is a producer, actress, and professional ballroom dancer- a very driven girl when it comes to her career. We became friends and seemed to have the same outlook on the film business. We both want to make films that are beneficial to society, so we started 2B Entertainment in 2009.
LINK TO: 2B Entertainment
TRC: What is/was your latest project with 2B Entertainment?
Robert: We have been doing a lot of commercial projects, most recently a commercial spot for Almost Home Animal Shelter in NJ.
We also have a documentary coming up in July that will be shooting in California. It is a documentary project about how Wheelchair Ballroom Dancing affects adults and children with disabilities. This project is very special to our producer, Aubree Marchione, because she has been an advocate of wheelchair dancing for many of years. I am hoping this project turns out to be a huge success, and can be a helpful resource for people living with disabilities and their families.
We also have an action film in early stages of development that will not begin shooting until next year.
TRC: I see there are a few children who have successfully landed gigs with 2B Entertainment. Does your company represent or promote actors and models? Do you mentor young actors trying to get into the entertainment business?
Robert: We have helped guide young actors in the entertainment business. We’ve recommended some talent to our own agents, and we’ve also casted many young actors in our projects. 2B Entertainment also has a branch which teaches acting and directing workshops.
TRC: What does your workout routine consist of? Do you follow a special diet and exercise plan?
Robert: I eat a well-balanced diet, usually 3-5 meals a day. I weight train about 3-5 days a week, and I like to run 3-5 miles outdoors every other day. I think keeping life as stress-free as possible is the best way to stay young and healthy.
TRC: We had earlier touched on your active water-sport life. When did you become interested in life on the water? Are you still actively involved in the numerous water activities mentioned in your resume? Do you teach water safety classes?
Robert: I became interested in life on the water when I was very young. I am still actively involved in surfing, and I like to sail, boat, scuba dive, and snorkel when I can. I don’t teach water safety classes, but I have multiple certifications.
TRC: What is your favorite way to relax?
Robert: I love traveling to exotic locations, and I like to experience new and exciting adventures.
TRC: Tell us something about yourself that isn’t available on any website or magazine stand?
Robert: I am an Eagle Scout, and I know how to play the guitar.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food: Lobster
Favorite Drink: Red Wine or Water
Favorite Destination location: Culebra, Puerto Rico
Last Vacation site: Germany
Do you have any pets: I have a Beta Fish, and a really cool cat who knows how to give “high fives.”
Boxers, Briefs or Commando: Boxer briefs
Favorite Songs: The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel, Knocking on Heaven’s Door by Guns and Roses, My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles, Redemption Songs by Bob Marley
Favorite Music Group: Rolling Stones
Favorite Movie: Back to the Future
Do you sing in the shower? Sometimes
What book is currently on your nightstand? Film-making Special Effects
Dark or Milk chocolate: Dark
Favorite Dessert: Pumpkin Pie and Blueberry Muffins
Favorite Sport: Surfing
TRC: Robert, we would like to thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. It is always a pleasure to find out about the real man behind the cover shots. We wish you all the best.
LINK TO ROBERT’S WEBSITE: Robert Nuzzie
