Biographie
Mark Adair-Rios' work and projects in development redefine what it means to be a working actor in Hollywood. Raised in the San Fernando Valley with a diverse ethnic background, he consistently surprises casting directors and lands roles ranging from gang member to techno geek, psychotic killer to misogynist cop, and HR trainer to LA transvestite.
His career started as a child actor in a national Coke commercial. Over nearly 20 years, Mark has accumulated numerous television roles including:
+ Recurring roles on "CSI: Miami," "Jericho," "MDs," "The Evidence," "Baywatch Hawaii," "Danny Fricke" (pilot), and "NYPD Blue" (as Nicholas Turturro’s drug-addicted brother)
+ Series regular on "Legend" and "1994 Baker Street" (pilot)
+ Guest appearances on "Cold Case," "Las Vegas," "NCIS," "ER," "JAG," "The Division," "According to Jim," "Charmed," "Family Matters," "Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles," "Threat Matrix," "Cuts," "Diagnosis Murder," "Tracy Takes On," and many others (see resume)
+ Co-star roles on "Life Goes On" and "Space: Above and Beyond"
In feature films, Mark has acted alongside:
+ Ben Stiller and Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Along Came Polly"
+ Jim Carrey in "Bruce Almighty"
+ Gabriel Byrne in "Stigmata"
+ Denzel Washington in "Courage Under Fire"
+ Eddie Murphy in "Dr. Doolittle"
+ Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek in "Fool's Rush In"
+ As well as roles in "Speed 2" and "Crocodile Dundee in LA," among others.
Mark is also well-versed in independent films, appearing in titles such as "Zero Hour," "The Longest Yard Sale," "Flying Virus," and "Stealth Fighter." His commercial work includes campaigns for PlayStation 3, Taco Bell, Honey Bunches of Oats, State Farm Insurance, and Tostitos—all within the same year.
While Mark enjoys playing intense villainous roles, casting directors now also recognize his comedic talents. He had a blast filming a four-episode pilot titled "Love That Girl" alongside Tatiana Ali ("Fresh Prince of Bel Air") and Phil Morris ("Seinfeld," "Smallville"). He portrays Adonis, one half of a modern-day, gay Lenny-and-Squiggy-style duo—the flamboyant next-door neighbors always flaunting their diva personalities.
In addition to acting, Mark collaborates with comic actor Chris Coppola to write and produce TV pilots. One upcoming half-hour comedy centers on two Armenian immigrants who dress as women to survive in Glendale, California, while waiting for their big break in show business. Mark’s extensive industry experience enables him to dive headfirst into production with strong, marketable ideas. Together, he and Chris are also developing a kids’ TV series and two feature film concepts aimed at making audiences laugh.
To keep his creativity alive, Mark returns to the stage regularly. He has taught classical Children's Theatre for seven years at the Lost Studio (formerly Peggy Feury’s Loft). When not working on film or TV projects, he studies theatre full-time there, five days a week. At least once a year, he performs in proscenium productions, earning notable reviews. Recent plays include the UK hit "Bouncers," Chekhov’s "The Marriage Proposal," Pinter’s "A Night Out" and "Night School," Carlos Lacamara’s "Nowhere on the Border," "Becoming Cuban," and the upcoming "Exiles," in which he portrays a hardened Cuban convict who mutinies on a yacht filled with Marielista immigrants to become the de facto captain.
A little-known fact: Mark left college to pursue acting professionally while he was studying to become an FBI agent. In his rare free time, he enjoys playing guitar, publishing poetry, and embarking on exciting new adventures (though real espionage is not among them).
