Biography
Lorne "Lonnie" Hughes, born in Puerto Rico raised in the Virgin Islands is one of eight kids. "His Papa was a rolling stone" and super proud of it! Lonnie always checked in at home before he kissed a girl, just to make sure.
Born of such rich background, Lonnie's ability to look normal and make you feel unsettled in his character work sets the tone for a cross between a black Bob Newheart meets Dexter. Simply stated, he walks between the lines of Good and Bad, really loving provoking that uncomfortable feeling in being human, as an Actor.
He began his career at MTV Networks after a dare from one of his freshmen classmates to audition for an MTV show, while at the same time pursuing a psychology degree at Adelphi University. Originally recruited as an on-air dancer because of his quirky moves and flamboyant flare, He soon transitioned into an executive role in casting, while gaining popularity for his performances on the hit show CLUB MTV. He became a network spokesman, representing CLUB MTV in live and television appearances, including "The Ace Awards," the Joan Rivers Show, Rick Dees, Into the Night, and the Phil Donahue Show. Soon, Lonnie became a regular entertainer for private events, on-air interviews, and publications, including People Magazine, The Daily News and Post Newspaper.
Building on his growing acclaim and charm, Lonnie founded a dance company, D.F.U.N.K. (Dial Fast U Now Know), managing and training teens in dance, event production, and hospitality. D.F.U.N.K. soon became one of the most sought after dance companies in New York City, building a loyal following for exclusive private events. This landed him on the front cover of The New York Times City Section and BBC News, building his reputation as the "Hype Man," known for making "uncomfortable" chic.
He was soon being flown around the world to host events blending different worlds and classes, allowing people to feel free to express themselves. The theme behind his shows has always been "You're either living your life or your busy living a lie."
In college he founded an on-campus club called C.A.L.I.B.E.R. (Cause to Achieve Leadership, Intelligence, Brotherhood, Excellence and Respect) to enrich the lives of incoming minority students that felt out of place in their new social environment. C.A.L.I.B.E.R has since grown in size and reputation and has spread to nearby existing college campuses on Long Island.
Building on his experience, Lonnie appeared on hit shows, ER, Mad Men, Prison Break and Desperate Housewives, he turned to his hobby of writing, developing strong minority voices that have been traditionally excluded from mainstream movies into several screenplays "Every Saturday Night I'm Jewish" and a novel, Hollywood Junkie.
He produced and directed Hollywood Junkie as a 10-minute short called "Anonymously Famous," which was featured in Talent in Motion magazine, garnering him the title "The Renaissance Man."
He has been a co-director on several projects, including "Driven," a documentary about talented women, and "Broken Marine," a short about the invisible veteran returning home. Presently, Lonnie is working on a three-part animated feature with Janice Doskey, former SVP of Film and Television for the Blue Man Group.
In 2014 Lonnie launched a folk electronic band, "the new peter gabrielz," now known as "The Gabrielz, that opened on the same stage with Kanye West and Jason Mraz at Budweiser's "Made in America Tour." Lonnie's pursuit to catch dreams is based on his mother's and grandmother's motto, "you can have it, but you must first design it." "So Design it, Collaborate and Make it happen!"
