Nick Santino

Nick Santino (born 24 January 1965, Brooklyn - 25 January 2012, New York, USA (suicide by overdose)) was born in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 5 months he was put in St. Joseph's orphanage home. For the next 16 years, he bounced around several foster homes for a total of 9. At age 16/17 he decided to make his own life. He managed to get a small apartment and started several neighborhood businesses in addition to construction and garbage hauling. He put himself through college earning an Engineering Degree, and then an MBA in Finance. Upon entering the business world he realized that his New York accent was not going to be an asset to his future and proceeded to learn better diction. Living in NYC surrounded with actors and actresses somehow Nick ended up doing a two year program at American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and was cast for an off Broadway version of Frankie and Johnny (1991), then Fool for Love (1985).

He continued to do several theater ensembles and improvisation groups before he was cast as Officer Anton in "All My Children" (1970). After a year of being on sets of Soaps and independent films Nick observed and was intrigued by the technical aspects of film and television production and decided to do a test project with no training or experience and took a small leap as a producer /director. This resulted in a light hearted short called Steel Crossings (1998). Nick's Steel Crossings (1998) was presented to several networks for series consideration. From 1999 to 2001 Steel Crossings (1998)was screened at several film festivals and won awards including "Best Short Drama".

Nick Santino was part of the first team to lead search & rescue on World Trade Center 9-11-2001. He used his ConEdison Engineering ID & Asbestos Certification to gain access.
Played three characters named Nick, two were written for him from directors that knew him.
Has a rescue dog named Rocco. The dog was named from the dog shelter weeks before Nick ever met him.

In 1983 at age 18, when faced with the decision to attend college or not, Nick came inches from leaving NY for LA to pursue a career as a stuntman. Clint Eastwood & Burt Reynolds were his inspirations.

Committed suicide, the day after his 47th birthday. He was distraught after his pit bull terrier was euthanized due to new dog restrictions at his Manhattan condominium complex.

Personal Quotes

I am just happy someone remembered to invite me

People see what they want to see, it is up to you to show them what you want them to see.