Biography
Patrick Lazzara is a Los Angeles-based actor, writer and director. Born in Buffalo, New York, Patrick's family relocated during his childhood to Las Vegas, Nevada. The middle of three brothers, Patrick had a very active imagination growing up. He and his brothers often re-enacted films they watched, including their three favorites: Grease, Escape From New York, and Scarface. He loved to play a lot of outdoor sports and watched a vast array of movies. In his middle and high school years, Patrick was unmotivated by academic studies and greatly enjoyed the social aspects of school. He was socially popular, and was often called the "class clown." In high school, Patrick played freshman and varsity baseball and freshman football. He also enjoyed simultaneously taking several theatre arts classes.
While studying at the Joseph Bernard Acting Studio, he attended Community College of Southern Nevada and University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a concentration in film and theater, of which he attributes as his foundation as an actor and filmmaker. It was there that he discovered his innate talent for screenwriting, and in 2002 co-wrote the short, Study Hall, that premiered at the New York Film and Video Festival.
In the summer of 2003, Patrick visited Los Angeles to explore the idea of relocating to pursue his acting career. After a two-day stay, he found an apartment, returned to Las Vegas to pack his belongings, and moved to LA. Shortly thereafter, he began studying acting with Joe Salazar, audition technique with Craig Wallace, and improvisation with Second City. After acting in several short films and student projects, Patrick booked his first feature film, The Carbon Copy. In 2009, he wrote and directed the short film, The Astray, which premiered at the Action on Film International Film Festival, where it was awarded with three awards, including "Best Actor" (James Arlen), "Best Villain" (John Fava) and "Best Breakout Female Star" (Michelle Gracie, the film's co-producer.) He has appeared on stage at The Underground Theater in Los Angeles in several plays including Durang, Durang and Friends and Fables. Patrick continues to build his resume in film, television and commercials, as well as writing and producing.
