Interview of Model/Actor Stefan Pinto!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO STEFAN PINTO!

Today it’s my pleasure to present an interview with the multi-talented Stefan Pinto. His career encompasses many avenues; web designer on Wall Street, a journalist, certified PADI scuba diver, model, author and an actor! If you’re a fan of TV shows "Burn Notice" or" CSI: Miami", you would’ve seen Stefan. Interestingly, he played a bad guy in both! Stefan was also a Playgirl Centerfold - something he said he would’ve done for free! Let’s find out some more about him!

Where to find information about Stefan Pinto:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stefan.pinto
Twitter: http:/www.twitter.com/stefanpinto
Fat-to-Fit Blog: http://www.stefanpinto.com
Random photos from his iPhone: http://stefanpinto.posterous.com
You can email Stefan at: hithere at stefanpinto dot com

Q: With all the directions you’ve taken with your skyrocketing career, is there one job you’ve thought about trying but haven’t attempted?
A: Well, I have attempted it, so maybe it doesn’t count. But if I were to do it, I wouldn’t call it a job since it’s something I would completely enjoy doing; taking pictures of people, places and things doing things that they love to do – or maybe have to do.

Q: Tell us how you were “discovered”.
A: I was in a Miami supermarket buying a turkey wrap when a model scout approached me. It was quite unexpected. Ha ha, like a scene in that movie, I forget the name: “Do you want to be a mo-delle?” And I said, "Yes’, I want to be a mo-delle."

Q: You’re an author! Tell us about “Fat-to-Fit: 50 Easy Ways to Lose Weight”.
A: It’s non-fiction! The book came out of some tips I tweeted, Facebooked and wrote on my fitness column. We expanded them, found some new ones and put it together with my story on how I went from a shy, fat guy to a male model and what I do to stay fit. I don’t advise people to buy any special food or do anything extraordinary. Frankly, it’s simple, everyday things that only makes sense. It amazes me how many people refuse to believe that eating vegetables make such a difference in how you look. Yet, they refuse to eat them!

Q: What TV acting role did you enjoy the most?
A: It was for a Spanish soap, “Pecados Añjeos”, where I played Edgar. It taught me not to assume I know what’s going to happen and to just “go with it.” I met some nice people there.

Q: Did you enjoy your time on the TV show "Burn Notice"?
A: I did! But when I did that, I was more “seasoned” I suppose. "Burn Notice" was my first supporting role. It was quite a thrill; I had my own trailer and actually had someone who made sure I was comfortable.

Q: Tell us about being a web designer on Wall Street.
A: Exciting! I walked through the World Trade Center every day for a year. At that time I lived in New Jersey and my commute was about two hours each way. Sometimes I bought breakfast, lunch and dinner. I learned a lot at that job. Our offices were right on 44 Wall Street, directly across from a Starbucks, where the Barista called me "Venti White Mocha". It was a different time, then. Very different.

Q: You were an RT “Mr. Romance Contestant”. What was that like?
A: Twice! The first time, I totally had no idea what to expect. I was sort of a deer in headlights. I placed First Runner Up in Orlando and Second Runner Up in Los Angeles, which turns out to be the last Mr. Romance competition ever. The second time, in Los Angeles, I knew many people who attended – both authors and some of the attendees. I admit, I used my time to promote my book!

Q: Playgirl Centerfold in 2007. How did you prepare for this and what was it like?
A: Ha ha. How did I prepare for a nude shoot? It was actually a lot of work, sitting there, you know, posing. Seriously, a friend suggested I submit some photos to the magazine, which I did; I sent two to the photographer. I heard back on Christmas Day while I was laying on the beach in Miami. I got a text that simply said, “pics r gr8. When can you come to LA?’ And that was it! They flew me out for a shoot on Valentine’s Day. The shoot lasted for four hours -- and in the middle of shooting, the photographer yelled at me for “looking bored”. I was merely hungry! To this day, the pictures still surprise me. I would’ve done that shoot for free, you know?

But, I was paid more than I'd expected. When they told me they wanted me, I had no idea I would be a centerfold. They don’t tell you these things. Actually, the photographer has no idea. I went from a nerdy, skinny then fat, shy guy to being asked to pose in an international magazine – nude – for my body. It’s the epitome of western body worship. And I’m guilty of it. There, I called it.

Q: Tell us about your fitness routine and how you keep those “six pack abs”.
A: Mostly diet. Actually, abs is all diet. Everyone has abs but they could be covered by fat. You can do a hundred sit ups a day and you won’t get abs, you’ll just get a neck ache. In fact, most people do sit ups incorrectly, but that’s for another publication. I try to change my workout routine every two months. Your body adapts. I lift as heavy as I can.

Q: You have a wonderful and long resume of your fabulous career. What will be added next to your list of accomplishments?
A: Gosh, I don’t know! You’ll be third to know!

Q: Favorite food?
A: Italian. I cheat with lasagna. I love lasagna. If you ever invite me to dinner, cook lasagna.

Q: Favorite drink?
A: Scotch. "I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking." I'ts a line from Othello and I played Cassio - just had to say it! Ha!

Q: What would you consider to be the most romantic place in the world…just so we might get some travel ideas?
A: Tallinn, Estonia. Heard of it? It’s in the Baltic and is one of the most picturesque, romantic, quaint and surprisingly modern cities in the Baltic. It was spared from Communism, but some signs are still there; you can’t really run from a regime like that. But Tallinn is lovely.

Q: Where can we buy your book?
A: It’s on Amazon, available for the Barnes and Noble Nook as well as for the iPad! Links to download Stefan’s book:
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Fit-Enhanced-Version-ebook/dp/B005KDGW1I
Barnes and Noble Nook: http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Fit-Enhanced-Version-ebook/dp/B005KDGW1I
iPad (or iPhone: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fat-to-fit-50-easy-ways-to/id461817223?mt=11
Stefan’s “Fat-to-Fit” blog is: http://www.stefanpinto.com.

Friend me on Facebook where I post some of what I think are the most beautiful photos I've taken on my travels. Did I mention that I studied with National Geographic?

Photos: Michael Stokes, Greg Prescott, Scott Tietler, Maury Povich Show.