In a nutshell...
The following is my bio up until now but will continue to grow as I do. I have tried to skip all the boring details and hit only what may interest you or help you...

My Bio-

It all started when I was a kid. I loved to sing and dance and be the center of attention. Skip to...Freshman year of high school. I went to a Bel Biv DeVoe concert and sat in the nose-bleed section. All I remember was the rush and thought "if I'm having this much fun up here, IMAGINE what it must be like on that stage"

SOPHOMORE HIGH SCHOOL- My third grade teacher, Mrs. Ananias, MADE me do the musical she was doing at the high school. "Guys N Dolls" I've found my calling...thank you Mrs. A!!

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL- Decided I better start takin voice lessons cuz though I loved the musical, I really wanted to be a recording artist.

JAN. 1993- Started taking voice lessons with Dr. Gary Grimes. He's the best! I think voice teachers should get honorary degrees in psychology as well. hahaaaa

MAY 1993- High School musical. "The Musicman" Small role this time, but I had LINES!

My senior year was loaded, I'm a jock and we went to the playoffs in Football. Did Swing Choir and Speech team as well as the spring musical.

MAY 1994- "Anything Goes" and I was Billy Crocker! wahoo.

JUNE 1994- Went to Disney World with the Swing Choir and performed for a week. Loved it! Entertainment takes you places, you can see the world with it!

AUGUST 1994- Started college, but between being in love (pfft!) and not sure what the heck I wanted to do with my life, I just worked and skipped classes :)

APRIL 1995- My voice teacher and I had a heart to heart and I was posed with the inevitable...Do I really want to pursue this?? YES!

AUGUST 1995- Started the theatre program at Illinois State University. Still didn't commit too hard. I paid my own way through college and the time commitments were outrageous!

JULY 1998-Toured with a small group of students in Europe. Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest and Graz!! We sang a program titled "Parade of American Music" I'm serious when I say entertaining will take you places.

SENIOR YEAR- I did quite a few plays this year...thank you financial aid! I also partied like it was 1999..wait a sec?

May 1999- I graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in theatre/acting! Now it was time to make a decision...NYC or LA?? I've got pipes man, NYC here I come. But first, gotta save some dough so work for a year then GO!

JULY 1999- Performed a musical revue of Stephen Sondheim music. Bartended and sold Diamonds at a Jewelry store. -side note- if you're gonna go to a city, get a hospitality job before you move so you're prepared and at least able to make a living anywhere (plus tips are a great way to make money)

FEB. 2000- A girl I work with called me. Her name is Katy and she wants to move to NYC when she graduated in May. Would I want to be roommates?? YES!! At least I know somebody now.

APR. 2000- We drive from Central IL to NYC for a weekend apartment search. It's tough, went through a broker, but we found one. (you'll probably have to go through a broker if you don't know anybody)

MAY 15, 2000- GOODBYE IL :( I'm leaving the town I've lived in and loved for 24 years and I'm scared to death. I cried like a baby, but hey, I'm comfortable with myself and tears sometimes come.

MAY 16, 2000- Arrive in NYC! Katy and I move into our Brooklyn apartment and meet most of the neighbors because I broke the elevator. Welcome to the neighborhood.

MAY 25, 2000- I start working at Tavern on the Green. Its a famous restaurant in Central Park but most of the people there are career service people with families so its kind of tough to make friends.

JUN. 2000- My favorite acting teacher from ISU, Brennan Murphy, visits New York and we have dinner. He hips me to the Ross Reports, a listing of all the agencies and casting directors (CD's) in NYC and LA. I spend this month doing a mass mailing.

JUN 23, 2000- I went to see True West because Philip Symour Hoffman is starring in it. I barely made it to the TKTS booth for my cheap seat then I barely made it to the show. Unfortunately, he had left the week before and Josh Brolin was the star. While there, a gentleman next to me and I started some conversation. His questions seemed a little too understanding and knowlegdable so after the show, I grabbed my balls and somehow spit out the question what he did? He was a musical director!! One with much success on Broadway I might add. He even has a Tony Award. His name is Don Pippin. We continue to chat and he kindly bought me a bite and a cup of coffee. He was great, and after only knowing him an hour, I was already in trouble for not knowing the composers and writers of my audition material. Hahaaaa NYC suddenly seemed a lot smaller. Anyway, he'd recently moved out of the city and we keep in touch. He's been a tremendous resource for info and support.

-point- get out amongst the people, they are out there...smile and talk to everyone, you NEVER know whose path you'll cross

JULY 16, 2000- I get home in the evening to a message from Amerifilm casting to be an extra in Sex and the City. My first JOB!

JULY 17, 2000- I call in sick to work and have a 7:00 a.m. call for Sex and the City. I have a blast and learn a lot. Never been on a set of film or television so I'm just taking in everything. I also get great placement standing right next to Sarah Jessica Parker all morning. I make some new friends and get to speak to Parker before the day is out. She was very sweet and made a point to thank all the extras for the long day.

AUG. 2000- I leave Tavern on the Green. It's a seasonal job cuz I work in the garden. It's been raining for almost a month.

AUG. 2000- I make another attempt to tend bar (which is a tough job to get in the city) and meet a man named Eric Funk. He manages a big club. He doesn't have anything at the club for me, but can throw me some weekend gigs being a Butler at some fancy weddings and Bar Mitzvah's. Of course I'll take em.

SEP 4, 2000- My mom is visiting NYC for the first time and we see Biff Henderson (from Letterman) on the street. I ask him to take a snapshot with my mom. He does graciously. Very kind and funny.

OCT 1, 2000- Working for Funk has paid the bills but I need a bit more. I get a job at a Times Square restaurant called Cafe Un Deux Trois. It's a neat little French place on 44th btw Broadway and 6th Ave. Still do some weekend gigs for Funk.

OCT 12, 2000- I have an interview at Nouvelle talent agency. I quickly learn that Toni (the owner and agent) does not do acting, but spokes model type jobs. Great opportunity for extra money and side jobs AND the gigs sometimes lead to commercials.

NOV 8, 2000- Philip Seymour Hoffman sits in my section at the restaurant. He is the best!! After the restaurant empties its pre-theatre crowd, he asks me to help he and a friend figure out a Charlie Brown character. This led to a really cool conversation about the upcoming election (he worked on a documentary) and a chance to rub elbows with one of the best actors out there at the moment.

NOV 18, 2000- My stepmom and two of her friends visit NYC for the first time. We see Henry Winkler on the street trying to get a cab and I ask him for a picture with the 3 ladies. He is very kind and steps back from the street. One of the ladies says "everybody put your thumbs up" and he funnily replies "my thumbs are tired" It was great!

just a side note- I've met quite a few celebrities now, most at the restaurants, but its been my experience that they are very kind if you approach them quietly and politely

DEC 4, 2000- Met with Michael Amato at his agency. He wanted me to put my picture in his book as a "tool" which costs money. I don't, he never called again.

DEC. 2000- A busy month at the restaurant. I meet Nathan Lane and Regis Philbin.

JAN. 2001- The musical Follies is opening next month on Broadway in the theatre right next door so the cast is in almost daily for lunch. I meet Stephen Sondheim, Treat Williams, and Blythe Danner. I also meet Terry Kinney (who is ISU alum!) Several more celebrities come in during previews and when the show opens in Feb.

I also have made a new friend who works at the restaurant who is a recording engineer and recording artist. I've been working on a song (I'd still love to be a recording artist too) so we get together and record. It turns out good for the first time actually writing and recording a song. It was about Spring Break and I'd hoped to get MTV to use it for their spring break celebration. Don't know anybody there but worth a shot. Didn't happen. BUT Now I can record and write in my spare time. His name is Aaron Brady and he's a really talented musician and song writer. Check out AaronBrady.com!

JAN 10, 2001- I go to an open mic to give standup comedy a try. I have a blast and get a few laughs but my appreciation for comedians skyrockets. I'm gonna do more.

JAN. 2001- Through my research, I've learned that you MUST create your own work. This is something my voice teacher always said, but I guess I needed to see it from fifty thousand others to believe it. So, I bought a book on how-to and started writing a screenplay.

FEB 21, 2001- I got called to interview for the television show Change of Heart. Sounded like fun, why not.

FEB ??, 2001- I go to an open call for A Beautiful Mind, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, and directed by Ron Howard.

APR 2, 2001- Nouvelle talent sent me to the re-introduction of the Blue Light Special at K-Mart. Easy gig and I met Kathy Ireland, Goldberg (the wrestler) and Martha Stewart. Goldberg was very cool, Kathy was sweet, Martha didn't say anything.

APR 16, 2001- Eric Funk is opening a new club and gets me a job managing. I leave the restaurant.

I've been researching classes to take and where to network. I come across TVI studios and sign up. It's a networking place to meet people in the industry. On there website, I read a lot of info and come across this guy Stephon Fuller who had posted a few answers to questions. He had a website listed so I went there and was very impressed. Got a lot of info from it. As I mentioned earlier, that site is www.stephonfuller.actorsite.com.

So now I'm taking classes and workshops with people working in the industry.

MAY 27, 2001- One of my best friends at home is getting married next weekend so I add a few days and go home to visit. While I'm on my layover flight I receive a message on my cell phone. It's from Bill Dance, who held the open call for A Beautiful Mind. I return the call and leave a message.

MAY 28, 2001- Bill Dance and I finally hook up on the phone and he wants to book me for 4 days. I thank him but tell him I just flew in to IL. He says, it's 4 days, I'm gonna give you waivers, you'll be SAG. Okay... now what? I need you to be here tomorrow morning for a costume fitting. OH CRAP! I freak out, last minute flights are over 1000 bucks. I try to find a car to borrow when one of my best friends calls and says that his girlfriend has the next three days off and would love to see NYC! So Jen and I throw our crap in her car and drive 16 hours to try on some clothes. THANK YOU JEN!!

MAY 29, 2001- I make my appointment for the fitting in Bayonne, NJ by 20 minutes. I shaved in a gas station bathroom and showed up. Took 15 minutes. I take Jen out to a really nice dinner and a quick tour of the city. Back to IL!!

JUN 11, 2001- First day on the set of A Beautiful Mind. Seeing Ron Howard was a treat. What a super nice guy, he even had lunch in the holding room with all of us lowly extras. I learned more about film that day and was amazed at watching Russell Crowe work. Didn't talk to him, but watching him jump from Russell to John Nash at the snap of a finger was impressive. They put us up in a hotel room for the night (I had my own!) and gave us some cash stipend for the evening.

JUN 12, 2001- Second day on set. Equally educational. Sent home after that and unfortunately the shooting schedules changed so I never got my other two days or SAG waivers. I also didn't get to watch Ed Harris work. Oh well...Hollywood.

*tool* I recently finished a book, and I think its the best read there is for an actor. It is loaded with information beyond what the title says. If you're serious about acting, read and re-read it. It's called "The New York (or L.A.) Agent Book" and its by K Callan.

My feelings on extra work have now been changed since reading this book. Do it a time or two to see how the film and tv world work, then fuhgedahboutit!!

JUL 11, 2001- I start a new job, bartending, FINALLY, at a pub on the upper east side. It's called Bar Coastal on 78th and 1st Ave. The club was cool, but the owner and I weren't the best of buds :) Still work for Eric when I can though.

JUL. 2001- Finished my first feature length screenplay! It's called Pickin Up' Gotta do some revisions, but hey, another hurdle tackled.

AUG, 2001- Still doing workshops. Auditioned for a new musical called Lenox Ave. It's a story about Harlem written by Daniel Roumain. I got cast!! Its a work in progress and roles have not been decided yet, but after meeting everyone, I'm pumped. Check out Daniel's website at dbrmusic.com

SEP 11, 2001- I was sleeping sound with my windows open when I heard the explosion. I live a few miles from where WTC was. I thought it was thunder at first, looked outside, blue skies..oh, must have been a transformer blow. Then sirens non-stop up the parkway..hmmmm, role over to flip on the local news channel only to watch in disbelief as the second tower was struck. As the rest of the world, I was glued to the tube for 3 days.

Lenox Ave. had originally planned to showcase in November at the Tribeca Performing Arts center but obviously has been pushed back. Now its early February.

OCT 25, 2001- Weird day!! I went to see the kickoff of Microsoft XP in Bryant Park because Sting was performing. Saw Bill Gates, weird to think the richest man in America is standing 40 yards from you. When I got there, they wouldn't let me in cuz I had my bag with me. Dumb rule, and it was quickly overlooked but since I was early, I got slapped with it. Ran over to Cafe Un Deux Trois to drop my bag off, came back and watched the show with a friend. After the show, we went back to the restaurant and ended up visiting with everybody for about an hour. Now keep in mind, I probably haven't set foot in this restaurant in 3 months, but while I'm there, the phone rings. It's for me?? What? It was Change of Heart. I'd worked there when I went to the interview. Anyway, wanted me to go on the date in two days. Made a switch at work and went.

NOV 3, 2001- Taped the show for Change of Heart. It was goofy and fun but all I kept thinking was "someday this is gonna be Lettermans couch"

NOV 23, 2001- Change of Heart aired. Don't look too bad on TV :)

NOV 30, 2001- The script for Lenox Ave. is coming together and the roles have been cast. I got the supporting male role!! Wahooo I really hope we can get it Off-Broadway or maybe bigger.

JAN 5, 2002- HAPPY NEW YEAR! Went home for 8 days over Christmas and had a blast. Back to NYC before the New Year and started things off with a bang. Aaron Brady called me a couple days ago said he wants to do some producing of film, so we picked some scenes from my screenplay, "Pickin Up," called some actors we know and shot the first one on DV last night. It was a lot of fun and looks like it'll turn out great. I've finally got some stuff for a reel!!

JAN 8, 2002- FINALLY went to see A Beautiful Mind. I was actually visible in a scene, but blink and you'll miss me. Kinda weird to see yourself on the big screen even if you are just standing there.

JAN 9, 2002- Did a standup open mic at Gladys' Comedy Room in Times Square. Gotta lot of work to do, but the experience is amazing.

JAN 29, 2002- Went to a pilot taping for an MTV show at a bar called American Trash. I just stood around in the background and talked to some hotties while drinking the free drinks we got for doing it. The highlight was meeting Dave Chappelle and David Wells. Also talked to Carson Daly, saw Jolene Blalock and Bubba Sparxxx. Just kinda neat, another NYC experience!

FEB ??, 2002- My brother called one night while I was watching the closing ceremonies of the Olympics. He says, are you watching this? I said, yeah, its beautiful. He laughed and said MTV, you're all over it!! Hahaaa I flip to it and there I was, standing right there on camera behind all the celebs at American Trash. I had a lot of face time, not that it counts for anything, but it was still pretty cool.

MAR 15, 2002- Movin' on up!! To the East Side! I moved today and night to a small apartment on the upper east side in MANHATTAN! Man, life just became sooo much easier. I cut out almost 20 hours a week of commute time. whew! AND I live a block and a half from the gym now. It's been tough staying in shape with the sway of the subway, but now I'm in there every day.

APR 5, 2002- Lenox Ave. showcases. My mother and brother come into town to check it out. It was actually a lot of fun and some people who's opinion I really trust had some amazing compliments for me. It feels great to know you're gettin better!

MAY 1, 2002- I submitted my screenplay to a contest called "Scriptapalooza" Won't know anything til August, but its another step.

AUG 7, 2002- Well, the summer is winding down. It has actually been good, though nothing really worth mentioning until now. First of all, my roommate Aaron has completed his second cd since moving to NYC and has been playing out around the city at least once a month. The great news is he's hooked a publishing deal with a guy who plans to pitch him to four major labels, the first being RCA! That rocks! As for me, I've started working on a second feature length screenplay. I've got an agent for the time being. Ironically, it is Michael Amato who I mentioned earlier. Tony Tomaso, who took some of the pictures on the site, is good friends with a guy who works close with Amato. We met and hit it off so let the casting begin! He sent me on one for a Whitney Houston video last week. I've spent the summer getting in top shape. I'm almost there, another 8 week cycle and I'll be model ripped. I took some new photos last week as well which I'll put up on the site as soon as I recieve them. I've also decided to go full force with standup comedy, figuring it is an opportunity to be onstage every single night. I've done some real soul searching and realized that I don't think I was ready to get my ass kicked. To be the best, you gotta beat the best, so here we go. Jumping in with both feet, gonna get beat to a pulp until I can start handing out the beatdowns. I'm jumping in the roller coaster with no handlebars!

DEC 3, 2002- Thanksgiving just ended and its back to the grindstone. My brother came out to NYC to spend the holiday with me. We had a great time. He came to see my open mic last Wednesday night. It was probably the best one I've had so far. I'm really enjoying it, even though I have mountains of work to do.

DEC 5, 2002- I was talking to my homeboy A in Houston last night and he needed to call me back in a few minutes. Now, I check my service number every day at about 4pm to see if anybody has called for an audition and I did yesterday as well. I had no messages at 4, but for some reason got the inkling to check it again while waiting for A to call back. There was a message from Bob Lambert left at 4:40. He casts the bit parts for "All My Children" and had an audition for me at 11:10 this morning. I'm tellin you, the psyche is an amazing thing. Now, I'm supposed to go to California next week to visit a friend. I haven't gone anywhere all year, book a trip, get an audition. I'm tellin you, this gets old (remember Beautiful Mind?) Anyways, audition goes really well and he's seems complimentary. He says he'll call today if he needs me for next week. So we'll see, I'll eiher be in CA or on TV next week. Showbizzzzz!!!!

DEC 6, 2002-Bob Lambert kept his word and called yesterday afternoon and I booked the role. I called Sarah G. (my CA friend) today and told her the bad news then cancelled my flight. Unfortunately, I'm booked only for Thursday but Bob says its recurring and the opportunity for lines is likely. We'll see!

JAN 6, 2003-Well, I shot two days of AMC last month and got the call today to shoot three more next week! This is great, I really enjoy being in the atmosphere even if I haven't been given a line yet.

JAN 14, 2003-Did an open mic tonight. It is my 10th one and I'm really motivated.

JAN 15, 2003-AFTRA has contacted me over the last couple of days because I have been working for over 30 days on All My Children so I have to join. The initiation fee is 1200! Luckily, I can put 600 down and pay the other half within 90 days. Who has that kind of money layin around? As long as I make that much on the show, I'll consider it a good thing. On the other hand, its kind of cool to actually be in one of the 3 big unions. I worked on AMC Mon. and Tues. of this week and again tomorrow. (fri) I also found out how to know exactly the date that the shows we tape air. So the next one I know for sure is Jan. 31, though there will be two other episodes between now and then.

JAN 21, 2003- My agent, Toni at Nouvelle (the only agent I claim) called me to book "Today" next Wednesday, Jan. 29th. I'm gonna be an astronaut hanging with Al Roker and hand him my helmet at some point. National morning TV, pretty cool!

JAN 22, 2003- Joined AFTRA today! My stage name (Mike Wilson) cleared, so hopefully it'll clear when I have to join SAG as well. If not, I'll have to come up with something that sounds good next to Hanks, Cruise, Gibson, Ford, Damon, Clooney etc...

JAN 29, 2003- Well, I got bumped from the Today show. I was pretty bummed. Buzz Aldrin came instead. Guess they figured they might as well have the real thing! Oh well, who better to be bumped by than a guy who actually walked on the moon! I still worked with Dr. Aldrin all morning while he spoke to kids. I just stood around in an astronaut uniform. He was a cool guy and I took a picture with him. I'll post it on the site when it gets developed. I also met Otis Anderson of the NY Giants. He was the Super Bowl XXV MVP. He doesn't believe that we've ever actually been to space, so we argued for about 10 minutes about it. It was really funny. All in all, a fun day.

FEB 1, 2003- I finished the screenplay to a short film that I hope to film and submit to festivals. It's called "Everybody Knows" I'll keep you posted on the progress.

FEB 16, 2003- I was Billy Blazes again this morning in the Toy Parade that I did last year. Very very cold out so not many kids made it out, but I was on the local news that evening, not that you could tell it was me.

FEB 17, 2003- The blizzard of '03 was last night and all day today. I worked which sucked cuz everybody was out playing, but it also made for a great day at the bar and I had a blast. Two other great things happened today, Bob Lambert called to book me for two more days on All My Children AND I had some questions for Stephon (which I'll explain at a later time) and he emailed me back over the weekend with some great advice. I'm excited about taking it and what the outcome may be!

MAR 13, 2003- I filmed another day of AMC today. Went well, got a close up in a bar scene. It airs April 8.

I've been pushing to get some auditions for film and television through Amato. Its working, he's got an audition for me Thursday. Hopefully, more will come.

APR 1, 2003- I was on All My Children twice last week and had some pretty good face time. It still doesn't mean shit since I haven't had a line yet, but its always pretty cool to be on tv. I also jumped another hurdle last week. Earlier I mentioned that I touched base with Stephon Fuller in LA and that he gave me some advise. Well, my question was about calls to agents that he submitted to, since he mentioned it in his bio. He emailed back, and in short said just do it, "you have nothing to lose and something to offer." I really like that advise and outlook. So I'd submitted to 6 selected Agencies (the 6 he mentions)the week before and made calls to follow up last thursday. It was no problem, got through to 3 of the 6 agents, but didn't make any appointments. They all said we'll look at your shot and call you if we want. Anyways, nothing will keep me off the phones now, cuz I really don't give a shit if I bug people. I'd rather them know my name as irritating than not know my name!

I also joined IMDB pro last week. It gives me much more detail and information on the movers and shakers in the biz. I also joined showfax through actorsite, which provides sides for upcoming auditions. If I can't get an agent to talk to me, I'll just start showing up at the auditions cuz I get the sides myself now. I just can't sit and wait anymore, its time...NOW!

APR 10, 2003- I did open mic again last night. That is 3 in a row and progress has been made. I'm now really excited about it and hope to book one of Gladys' shows by the end of the summer. I had a couple compliments last night after my set. These kinds of compliments really mean a lot when they are from nowhere, when somebody goes out of their way to let you know they enjoy what you did. It really makes you excited and motivated.

My friend Steve is in the May issue of Esquire magazine as "America's Perfect Gentleman Bartender" I have my own thoughts on that but I'll keep them to myself :) Way to go Steve!

APR 30, 2003- Another open mic! Thats two months without missing one and the progress is apparent. I have a plan now and I'm very proud of it. In a nutshell...to make a living solely in the entertainment field by the age of 30. Gladys (the lady who runs the room of the open mic) has really warmed up to me and is giving me great feedback every week. My goal is to be booked in her shows by August.

MAY 8, 2003- My orginal NYC roommate, Katy, got engaged today! Congrats Katy and Jim!!

MAY 16, 2003- Three years already! Wow.

MAY 21, 2003- Tonight was a great night!! I performed at the weekly open mic at Gladys' Comedy Room and Gladys has now said that I can do her weekend shows if I'll be a "barker." A barker is the guy who stands on the corner and hands out fliers for about 45 minutes to invite people in. Then you get slotted into the show. She said she knows I'm still not great, but I will be. I need more nights per week on stage! I can't wait. This is a huge step for me and the first of many goals on my ladder to success.

MAY 30, 2003- I performed in front of a REAL audience for the first time as a standup at Gladys'. To my surprise, it went well. Obviously not a killer, but several good moments. Looking forward to more.

JUN 3, 2003- AFTRA has an open door function once a year to allow members to meet an agent or CD. It is setup like a lottery and I luckily drew early. Because there weren't a ton of participants, we each got two meetings. I'm meeting with William Morris commercial agent Marc Guss and casting director Judy Henderson. I'm really excited about both so hopefully something will come of it.

JUN 19, 2003- I met with Judy Henderson this morning. I spent a lot of time on a comedic monologue (she required one) last week and went through all my possible answers to possible questions. The meeting went very well I think. It lasted about 25 minutes and she never even asked for my monologue. I don't know if thats a good sign or a bad one, but it seemed like our conversation went smooth so we'll see.

JUN 23, 2003- Today I met with Marc Guss with WMA. It was awful. He only wanted voice over talent. That was NOT what was asked for when we picked our meetings during the lottery. So after explaining to the check in people that I didn't have a voice over reel, they said I could look at the list of others avail and/or cancellations and pick somebody else. Cool! NOT!! It was all extra's casting directors. So I went in to see Guss. He basically said "Make a reel" and send it to me. Whatever.

JUL 7, 2003- I went to a wedding two days ago in my home town. I also spent the 4th of July with the fam. I don't know if you've noticed a trend, but every freakin' time I go home I get a call for something. This time, I check my service number this afternoon to find a message from Bob Lambert from All My Children again. Cool! I haven't heard from him in a while. I call him back immediately and he tells me that the student stuff is done, however, he would like to get me in there on a permanent basis so he's casting me as the Bellman at the Valley Inn! That also means that I get first read whenever he has dialogue. WOW! I may end up with real scripted lines on real TV! Anyways, I film three days next week. I'm super excited.

*SHOUT OUT* I told the crew at my dentist's office that I'd throw a shout out to them on my site! So, here's a shout to my teeth cleaning and maintenance crew at Dr. Horenkamp's office in Bloomington, IL!

AUG 2, 2003- My buddy Bill Morales called to invite me into a gig he's producing. He's a fellow comedian that I've met at Gladys' and is producing a show called "The Mike Show" All the comedians performing are named Mike, I guess he knows a lot of Mike's. Anyways, the show is AUG 19 so I'm pretty excited. I think I can consider this my first real gig. Hope it goes well.

SEP 8, 2003- One of my good friends from college and his wife had a baby girl today!! Dana and Martha Smith have welcomed Bella into the world with arms wide open. Congrats!!

SEP 22, 2003- I thought I've updated this more recently, but I must not have saved it properly. I taped two more episodes of All My Children two weeks ago which will air on Oct. 6th and 7th. Then Bob Lambert called me today to film another episode next week.

I'm learning a lot from these days of being on set and watching how it all pans out, but I'm much better than doing extra work. I'm still going on the hope that Bob will have something soon for me to read for, remember when I first met him he told me I was "a great actor." It's not a bad days pay and I've never turned one down, but its time for more. I've also started an idea to send out postcards everyday to the same people. I'm gonna give it a 6 week trial period and I started this past saturday. I've picked about 15 people that can get me work and I'm sending them a post card every single day for six weeks with nothing but my phone number written on the back. I'll let you know if I get any or how many calls.

My roommate is getting radio play at different stations across the nation. It's picking up steam and getting more airtime every day! Go Aaron!

SEP 30, 2003- Another day on the set of AMC. I'm really enjoying my work there but I'm ready to get an upgrade! The next time I'm there I'm gonna stop down to see Bob and ask him what I need to do to be seen in that light! I want lines!!

JAN 1, 2004- Happy New Year!! I've been rather lazy the last couple months and haven't had much going on. It is a new year with a new motivation. Lets get back on the roller coaster!

JAN 7, 2004- Scholastic Books has a new Childrens series called Geronimo Stilton. I submitted to do the voice over work but wasn't picked up, however they have asked me to do the costume character work for them. They called today and booked me for next tuesday!

JAN 13, 2004- My first day as Geronimo. I simply made an appearance and visited with some children as well as sat in the display window of the Scholastic building to wave at passerby's. Not a bad little gig for some extra duckets. The cool thing about this character is that he actually speaks while in costume. They've asked me to be on the ABC morning news this coming Sunday and I'll be helping with the weather report. A 6:00am call, ouch!

-I also have an audition at Comic Strip Live on Monday April 19th. If you'd like to come, feel free to contact me and I'll give you the details.

JAN 18, 2004- Bright and early and 10 minutes before my call time I arrive to give the weather report on the news. Cancelled. OH MAN!! It was snowing (like a half inch) so the weather man cancelled so he could stay in his office close to his computer. That sounds rediculous to me but what do I know. I still get to bill them for the work though so I can't complain. It may even be rescheduled which would be ideal. Like getting paid twice for one job.

FEB 18, 2004- I hadn't been to Actors Connection in ages so I decided it was time to get back in there and meet some people. I had a workshop tonight with Jessica Daniels, a cd of Avy Kaufman Casting. The read went well so maybe she call me in.

MAR 2, 2004- AC workshop with Russell Gregory, an agent at Nicolosi & Co. This was a weird night. It was the first time I've ever thought "now I'd love to have this guy represent me." He really seemed to love his job and he also has a bit of a no nonsense attitude which I love. We paired off, I had a great partner for the cold read, I LOVED the scene we got handed, had my choices made and was excited, but when we read, I didn't feel it come out like I hoped. I've thought I had done terrible before and turned out to get calls so maybe it came off better than I think. If nothing else, I've met another player in the game :)

MAR 3, 2004- I know that proactivity and being out there makes a difference, but I seem to forget all the time (which means I'm being lazy) Last night at my AC workshop I happened to bump into Bob Lambert (cd for All My Children) I haven't heard from them in months so I send them a postcard every six weeks or so. I just sent one about two weeks ago. Bob says "I got your shot on my desk I was gonna call you this week" and I'm thinking "yeah right" but I said "gimme a buzz, I'm available!" So today, the phone rings and its Bob booking me for a day next week. Extra work but extra money. I'll take it.

--I'm gonna put this on the site because I want to be honest to everybody. This past winter I was extremely lazy in all ereas of my life including my physique. I'm up to a hefty 215lbs. Most people don't believe me but the scale doesn't lie. So, I'm back in the gym and gonna trim myself back to "summer skin" mode. I was 183lbs in that photo but I'm going even smaller this time. I'll keep you posted as I go. I'm also taping myself on a daily basis with my home video camera, just a shot a day as a shrink. It's just a neat little project I'm doing for myself, but when its done, I'd be happy to send you the final product when its edited together.

APR 12, 2004- Bob Lambert called with another day of AMC next friday. I'll take it. A hundo is a hundo!

--I cancelled my audition at Comic Strip. I feel I only have about 2 minutes of solid material and I won't go in there unprepaired.

JUN 17, 2004- I again participated in the AFTRA open door annual event with the opportunity to meet agents. It'll be my last year attending. The people at the appt. session (where you pick the people you want to meet) are volunteers consisting primarily of old bitter actors. I picked my two people to meet and the first I mentioned was the one I wanted most. The ugly bitter man behind the table looked at me and said, "I know -blank- and when he says young leading and character men, he means if you're not Brad Pitt don't bother." My response was pleasant my brain was firing some "F-Bombs" I was wearing a baggy T-shirt and my glasses. Why? Because this wasn't the meeting!!! It was the appt. selection. Who was he to tell me? Man was I pissed. Anyways, I chose to others. The first was this evening with Michael Kirsten of Haren-Curtis and Assoc. I was looking forward to the meeting, but of course I got there, and the lady running the show leans over and says to me "Michael has asked that you don't shake his hand...he has a thing." What? Piss on that. I take pride in my handshakes, hell thats half of the meeting. Anyways, I walk in and awkwardly sat down. He asked me to tell him about myself. I tell him where I'm from, quick note on the fam, and that I'm looking right now primarily for commercials and a small supporting role on a local show like Law and Order or The Jury. He says well send me a postcard if you are in something. Nice to meet you. Anyways, waste of time. Not interested. Thats fine. NEXT!! We'll get em one of these days.

JUN 22, 2004- My baby Brother Cory and his girlfriend Michaellyn had a baby boy today at 3:56pm. His name is Truman James Wilson and he weighed 7lbs. on the nose. Congrats to him!! I can't wait to spoil him rotten :)

-- I have been on my own personal comedy hiatus for a short while basically because I have lost the ability to find anything funny. However, I have now been brewing with ideas and I'm ready to jump back in the action. I stopped down to Gladys' tonight to get back on stage to find it has closed so now I'm on the lookout for a new open mic. What happened??

JUL 27, 2004- I have been taking some workshops at Actors Connection with no success. Gettin kinda tired of it actually, but today was different. I got a call from Suzy Friedman, an agent I had a workshop with several weeks ago. She called with an appointment to audition for a fireman role on Inside Addition tomorrow. Now as most of you know, I only get calls when I'm going out of town, and I leave very rarely! This was no exception, I leave tomorrow morning to go home for a few days to visit my new nephew and bring in my Dad's 50th birthday. I had to turn it down, which really sucked since it was the first call I've gotten from her and the first call I've ever got from an workshop. I sent her a Thank You right away and hope she'll call again soon.

--side note, I really like my workshop with Suzy for one reason. She's the first who saw me for me. She said to me in the workshop that I was a blue collar type, constrution worker, cop, fireman! Exactly!! Thats what I am, and it was nice that somebody finally acknowledged it

SEP 2, 2004- I got a call from Suzy Friedman today (whew, thank god she gave me another shot) to play a construction worker in a New Jersey Lottery commercial. She called this morning,the audition was this afternoon, went well. The irony?? It films the 15th of this month. I have a 3 day trip to Vegas planned. I'll cancel it if I book, but it never fails. I'm literally out of the city maybe 14 days in a whole year. I guess I just need to keep planning trips to get auditions!

SEP 9, 2004- CALLBACK! Yay! I can't believe the first commercial audition I go on that I was sent too I got a callback. I go for it tomorrow.

SEP 10, 2004- I go to the callback. Felt really good. The director was in there and after my read, he says great, thats exactly what we're looking for so there is really no need to do it again. I walked out torn, I really wanted to go to Vegas but how cool would this be?

-I didn't book, to Vegas I go!!!

OCT 13, 2004- Suzy Friedman called today! She needs some headshots from me. That is always a great sign. She wants me to drop some off tomorrow, so not only do I get to give her some headshots, but she gets to see me in person and 20 lbs. lighter!!

--Thats right folks, if you remember earlier in the year I said I needed to get my ass back in shape. Well, at my worst, I weighted 218 lbs. I now weigh 193 and still plan to lose 20 more. I feel great and look much better. AND, as promised, I have been filming my progress at least on a weekly basis. Pretty neat to see the change. When its done, I'm going to edit it to a neat little short film.

OCT 22, 2004- Okay, remember in June when I mentioned that I didn't care for the AFTRA open door opportunity? Well, my second appt. was supposed to be with Barbara Andreadis (legit agent) and they were supposed to call me the following week with an appointment. They never did, and in August I finally threw the info away and assumed it was dead in the water. Well, they finally called a couple weeks ago with an appointment. GREAT, but not really, I threw all my info away so I have no idea what to prepare. So I just went in with no expectations but ready for anything. I struggled to get there, I was tired and hungover..hahahaaa Anyways, I got there and the first thing she said was "oh, I was gonna cancel becuase of blah blah blah" Of course I'm thinking "I could be less surprised" Then we sat and visited for a few minutes and she had me fill out some info and says "Well, I'll tell you what, I'll send you out a few times and see what happens and we'll go from there" WHAT!! Thats awesome!! She asked about episodics, ie. law and order, the jury etc... and from the pics on the wall, I get the feeling a lot of her clients get on those shows (meaning she must have a solid reputation with the casting directors)so hopefully I'll get to audition for some of those shows and if I book, could turn into something.

NOV 8, 2004- AUDITION! Suzy Friedman steppin up again. This one is for "The Abs Diet" book. Audition went well I think, just read some "testimonial" pieces as if "The Abs Diet" book has transformed my life.

NOV 19, 2004- AUDITION! Comedy Central Promo. Audition for a Boston Red Sox Fan.

NOV 29 2004- BOOKED!! But, true to form, I'm going out of town and can't work. This was for the Boston Red Sox promo that I auditioned for 2 weeks ago. It films tomorrow and they just called TODAY!! The sucky irony is, I'm leaving town, AGAIN. This always happens. A friend of mine has a friend filming a movie in Miami and has hooked it up for me to go and be on the set, meet the director and mingle with the actors with the potential for a walk-on or extra work or whatever. It is a networking dream that I couldn't possibly pass up. It really is frustrating that these things seem to ALWAYS happen to me. I just hope that there is a bigger reason for all of this to be happening.

-- I ran into Gladys on the street a couple weeks ago. Gladys ran the Comedy Room that I always did my open mics in but has since closed. Anyway, she told me she is now working a group of comics at The Comic Strip (which is huge) and booked me for two gigs in December. AWESOME!

--Miami was AWESOME!! My friend Andrea (who knows the director) and I got in the same hotel with
the cast. We had an unbelievable mini-suite for very cheap. When we arrived on Wednesday, we went to the set and who is filming a scene but Chazz Palminteri!!! Wow, this is the real deal. We visit and take off. Later that night we met up with them and several other cast members one being Chad Lindberg. It was a very cool evening and we definately did it up Hollywood style, but I won't go into that :) The following day we laid on the beach and relaxed for the day. That night the director had a party in his suite so I met many more people, producers etc... Then on Friday we went Jet Skiing before we caught our plane. I had never done that so it was very exciting for me. I went right up to "Star Island" and just looked at those homes from a far. Pretty amazing. On the way to the airport, checked my service line, Suzy called with an audition for monday.

DEC 6, 2004- Happy 27th birthday Cory!! AUDITION! Advil. Didn't feel well with this one, had to play sports with NO props and they really seemed to want me to pretend I was playing Tennis. Give me a football and I'm fine.

DEC 8, 2004- My best friend Adrian is living in Boston so I'm heading up to see him. Of course, true to form, I get a call while I'm on the bus for an audition the next day. Couple things, first, make plans, get an audition. Second, this is the second audition this week. First time thats happened to me!! wahooooo So instead of stayin in Boston til Friday, I'll be on the bus at 8 in the morning to make my 2:30 audition.

DEC 9, 2004- AUDITION!! MTV promo for a football game for x-box or ps2 or something. Audition went okay, wasn't pumped, wish I'd made some different choices, but we'll see.