Biography
Paul was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and raised in Trumbull, spending his summers at the beach on beautiful Long Island Sound where his family owned shoreline cottages. He began his performing career in a rock band playing popular favorites for the beach community of Lordship, studying Drama at the famed Shakespeare Theater in Stratford, and acting on stage at the Polka Dot Playhouse at Pleasure Beach. Upon graduation from Trumbull High School, he began his formal Acting studies with the Department of Dramatic Art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the notable Carolina Playmakers, of Sidney Blackmer, Andy Griffith, R.G. Armstrong and Louise Fletcher fame. While immersed in Classical Actor's training at UNC-CH, he spent the Summer of 1974 acting in UNTO THESE HILLS in Cherokee, N.C., the legendary Outdoor Drama about the plight of the Cherokee Indians and the Trail of Tears relocation to Oklahoma. Living and working among the Cherokee on their native land remains one of Paul's fondest memories. After graduation with a B.A. in Dramatic Art in 1975, he apprenticed at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, CT., doing Summer Stock Theater working closely with Patty Duke, John Astin, and Paul Sorvino, receiving one-on-one acting coaching from Mr. Sorvino himself! At the close of season, Paul joined the premiere season of the new Hartman Theater Company in Stamford, CT., a legit member of the L.O.R.T. (League Of Regional Theaters). There he performed in Conservatory and on Main Stage and working with New York's best, including Austin Pendleton, Alan and Adam Arkin, Alex Rocco, James Naughton, and Bob Balaban just to name a few! He learned from all of them about technique and professionalism, also making his frequent Agency and audition rounds riding the train into New York City. His friend Adam Arkin convinced him at lunch one day to try his hand in HOLLYWOOD, and never one to shun advice from those successful in the profession, Paul decided to leave for California in September of 1976! He quickly landed roles on GENERAL HOSPITAL, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, and DAYS OF OUR LIVES, earning his Union Cards, working with Genie Francis, Tony Geary, Richard Dean Anderson and Richard Simmons in GH's heyday. Paul helped Donald Freed direct Harold Lieberman's new play THRONE OF STRAW at the Odyssey Theater in West L.A. about Jewish life in a Polish ghetto during the Holocaust. Paul coached a 10-year-old actor who played a precocious Jewish lad who he felt held a great deal of promise as a budding young actor, and he was right--the boy was Kiefer Sutherland! He stayed on the West Coast for 6 marvelous years, but family entanglements lured him back East to Virginia, where he resides to this day, having worked in Radio (includes a10-year stint as Morning Drive Personality with Country Music broadcasting mentor and Hall of Famer Big John Trimble), TV, and Motion Pictures, where his recent resume and credits can be viewed here on IMDb Paul D'Elia. A staunch SAG-AFTRA Member in good standing since 1976, he is now associated with the Mid-Atlantic Branch, celebrating his 50-Year Gold Union Anniversary in 2026!!
