Biography
After a brief NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys (1985) and Philadelphia Eagles (1986, 1987), I auditioned for Toxic Avenger Part 2. Since John Altamura was already cast as Toxie, I was offered the role of backup Toxic Avenger to handle distant shots and perform stunts — basically the second-string Toxie. I accepted. We filmed near Peekskill, about an hour north of NYC. Working on TA 2 was an incredible experience. I enjoyed collaborating with the special effects team and slipping into the Toxie costume daily. I made some great friends, including Rick Collins, Paul Borghese, Benny Nieves, Lisa Gaye, and Phoebe Legere.
After 3-4 weeks of filming, John Altamura left the set for reasons unknown, apparently unhappy with something. Suddenly, I was thrust into the lead role for both Toxic Avenger parts 2 and 3, which we shot back-to-back. I loved being Toxie. While John's scenes remain part of the films, I completed all his unfinished scenes, recorded the entire voiceover for both movies, and finished filming part 3 in Tokyo, where Toxie was known as "Doku Doku Monster." Being part of the Troma Team was thrilling and led to another role as Leon in Basket Case Part 2. Oddly enough, all these roles concealed my face.
Following the TA experience, I made many publicity appearances promoting the releases of TA parts 2 and 3. I probably wore out my Toxic tights, and that mask needed regular disinfecting. Both films premiered at a nice Broadway theater in NYC (not the Broadway theater type). Each ran for about 4 or 5 days—not bad for Troma! I pursued acting in NYC for a few more years, working as a bouncer at various nightclubs and auditioning for anything I could, mainly commercials and film roles. I wasn’t very successful since most of my work was as an extra. I did get a few speaking parts on soap operas and TV shows, but making ends meet on a bouncer’s salary in the country’s most expensive city was tough.
So, I shifted gears in 1991 and began studying to become a Physician Assistant. PA school was challenging, but after two years I graduated with honors and started working as a PA, which offers a decent salary. Occasionally, I was called back for extra work on The Sopranos—arguably one of the greatest shows ever—just to keep my hand in acting. But for the most part, my acting days were behind me.
I married Dana in 1996, and we now have three daughters. We live in North Carolina. I still appear at conventions occasionally, so if you see me, give me a shout. And if any small roles come up for a few days, I might be convinced to act again.
Rest in peace, John Altamura.
