Biography
Elvis Thao has embraced many roles throughout his career, including Actor, Musician, and now emerging Film Director and Producer based in Los Angeles, CA. He is the lead singer and songwriter for the Folk/Rock band "The Creatives," which recently released the album "The Water Street Experiment," and he is also a member of the rap group RARE. Thao appeared as a supporting cast member in the Warner Bros. film "Gran Torino," where he also contributed to the film's score. Having worked with legendary director Clint Eastwood, Thao is focused on broadening his skills and gaining experience in the industry. Constantly evolving, he is currently dedicated to the film industry, having acted alongside Hollywood talents like Bai Ling, Sean Astin, and Madison Davenport, as well as participating in numerous independent films, theater productions, commercials, and print work. As a director, he is developing the reality TV series "In Search Of...." (The Great American Street Musician) and is in post-production on his short film "Street Boy," produced by his company, Hand Sewn Productions.
Beyond entertainment, Thao is deeply involved in charity, recreation, and volunteer work. He is an activist collaborating with community and non-profit organizations. His roles include community advocate, public speaker, outreach coordinator, workshop facilitator, event organizer, and presenter. A 2009 graduate of Public Allies (AmeriCorps), he also holds a certificate from the Philanthropy Incubator Project at Cardinal Stritch University. Thao has been invited to speak at numerous universities nationwide and has been featured in various publications, radio stations, and television media. Critics and journalists have even compared him to John Lennon.
In his earlier career, Thao's rap group RARE, part of Shaolin Entertainment in Milwaukee, WI, was a prominent rap trio recognized as icons within the Hmong community. They operated one of the most successful Hip Hop recording studios in the national Hmong scene, touring extensively and working to bring their music to mainstream audiences. They performed alongside major industry artists, attracted attention from record labels and A&Rs, and played sold-out shows at venues hosting between 1,400 and 2,200 fans. Their music, including the anthem "Hmong Tuag Nthi" featured on the Gran Torino soundtrack, has left a lasting legacy for the Hmong people. After more than 18 years, 4 albums, and managing two other artists with 4 albums, Thao has concluded his personal music career to focus on acting, filmmaking, and producing. He aims to blend music with film through soundtracks and storytelling. Watch for his continued work. YOU design yourself. Let's start the movement.
