Guest Interview - John Antorino, Actor/Cover Model

Today I'm happy to introduce someone who is no stranger to Romance Books 4 Us - the multi-talented John Antorino. His career encompasses many avenues; personal trainer, nutrition consultant, bodybuilder, model, actor...the list goes on and on. It has been a while since he has stopped by to chat with us, so I managed to pull him aside from his busy schedule so that he could give us an update as to what's going on in his career and his life in general.

Q (Suzanne Rock): It’s been about a year since you last spoke with us. What have you been up to?

A (John): Yes. Thanks for having me back. I’ve been up to alot. First and foremost I’ve been spending much time with my mom and helping her get through her battle with breast cancer. It’s been a long road. But she’s doing pretty good right now. Career wise so much has been happening. Still with my sponsor Muscle Wiz. Been busy with them making appearances, doing demo’s and shoots. Shot a few more covers and now in prep for more covers. Been traveling a lot. As usual. And what I think is going to be a big career break for me. I signed on to play the lead German soldier in a show for The History Channel called “Escaping the Holocaust”. Going to be a very challenging role that I’ve been working real hard in preparation for. We start filming in late November. And I’ve been working very hard in the gym and also with my diet to stay photo shoot shape ready and also for my appearances and events.


Q: Do you have a bucket list? If so, what’s on it?

A: Not really. I’ve done so much already at such a young age. I’ve been all over the world and have done so much in my career and life already. I’ve taken my mom on trips. Always wanted to take her to Italy and did so a few years back. Maybe having some kids. Is that bucket list material? Haha

Suzanne: Absolutely! :)

Q: You have done a lot of acting and modeling in front of the camera. Ever think of pursuing other projects behind the camera? 

A: Maybe down the road. Yes. I wouldn’t rule it out. But I still have a lot left in me in front of the camera I think and I believe my acting career is just really getting started. I’ve pretty much done it all in the modeling world and am now really focused more on moving forward and ahead with my acting career.



Q: Tell us about your new movie project, Escaping the Holocaust. How did you prepare for your part?

A: Yes! I am thrilled to be a part of this great project. I will be playing the lead German soldier. Basically one of the “bad” guys. It’s an amazing true story. About a man and a woman that met while both in one of the concentration camps during those dark brutal times of Hitlers reign of chaos and hate. Stay tuned for it! I prepared by first researching about those times with Hitler and Nazi German soldiers in Europe. I’ve been learning some German. And I had to lose some weight to look the part. Challenging role and brutal content. But this is what I do and I’m up for the challenge. (For more information about the movie, go here.



Q: What was the best present you’ve ever received? Who was it from and what was the occasion?

A: Hmmmmm tough one. I’m very weird about receiving gifts. I’m such a giver. Big time! And although I like nice things in life. I am not materialistic. So…I’ll have to say this. And it’s a non-material gift. And from the heart and how I really feel. My niece Morgan. Best present I ever received. My twin sister Jill’s daughter. Anyone that knows me knows how I’ve always felt and feel about Morgan. She’s been my love and life from day one. I then knew what real true love was when she was born. And have to say as she’s gotten older and is growing up I’ve had a real hard time with it. God what will happen when I have my own? But really I’ve always treated her like my own and love her more than anything. Sorry for all that. Bet none of you were expecting all that. Ha!

Suzanne: No - we weren't, but it's an awesome answer. :)

 Q: What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

 A: Definitely Christmas! Just the season and everything about it. The giving of gifts and time with friends and family. I love giving lots of gifts to my family and friends. And also help as many less-fortunate out during this time of year. Also, it’s the end of the year and soon get a new fresh start for the new year. I also never forget the REAL reason for Christmas and the season.

 Q: You mentioned in a previous interview that you have a strict diet and exercise schedule, but every once in a while, you have a cheat day. What would be your ideal “cheat day?”

A: Ahhhhh yes. My ideal cheat day. This is an easy one. Pizza, first. Chinese food. Chicken parm and meatballs. And anything pumpkin- pie donuts bread. And a big glass of milk. Ahhh you have me drooling here.

Suzanne: We're drooling too! ;)

Q: You’re a very versatile model, having done both clean-cut shots and…ahem…photos for Playgirl. (*grin*) Do you prefer one type of photo shoot over the other? Do you have a favorite photo?

 A: Haha yes yes. I am and have done a wide range of work over my career. Very blessed. I have to say that doing those Playgirl shots weren’t fun and not easy. I am done with those I am sure. I actually prefer studio shoots/indoor shoots over location shoots. I have some favorite photo’s. But I am very tough and critical on myself.


Q: You seem like a very positive person. What keeps you focused and upbeat in an industry known for tearing people down?

A: Yes I am. It’s just who I am. I think because at the end of the day I know who I am and am confident in myself. And, it’s just work to me.

Q: You mentioned in a previous interview that you like to cook. Do you have a specialty?

 A: I do. I love it. I cook everything. Italian and seafood. Homemade pizza. Meatballs. Chicken parm.

Suzanne: Where do you live again? ;)

Q: Night owl or early riser?

A: Easy one. Early riser. Up at 6am and ready to go. Gym first thing. To me the morning is the best part of the day. And I rarely go out. Especially while in prep for work and projects. I’m in bed by 10pm. 

Q: I’m from New England and a huge football fan (HUGE). Do you have a favorite sport you like to watch? A favorite team? (If you’re a Jets fan, I may have to end this interview now. J/K ;)

 A: I like and watch lots of sports. Love football and definitely not a Jets fan and I’m actually a Patriots fan too!

Suzanne: No way! Get out! I didn't see that coming! Woot - go Pats! *high five*

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do to “recharge” after a tough day? 

A: Hot bath, cook some good food and relax and watch tv

Q: Where was your favorite photo shoot location? Why was it your favorite?

A: I have so many, so I’ll name a few. Hawaii Italy Brazil St Thomas. Beautiful and fun places.

Q: I heard that your family is very important to you. Your mom, in particular, is a major influence. Can you tell us a little bit about your relationship with her and why she’s so special to you?

A: Yes. They are. My mom is my best friend. She raised us on her own. She’s been all I ever had really. She worked 2-3 jobs to support and provide for us. We just have a special bond and connection. And I have a great respect and admiration for her. We can be ourselves completely with each other without judgement. We just have fun and laugh when we’re together. We’ve been through it all together. She’s been fighting breast cancer for 2 years now. It’s been a long tough road. I’ve been by her side through it all. And wouldn’t have it any other way. I give to breast cancer charities and attend as many breast cancer events as I possible.

Q: You mentioned that you enjoy music. Do you have a playlist for when you work out? What’s on it?

A: Yes I do. Here’s what’s on it now: Godsmack, Disturbed, Creed, Avenged Sevenfold, Devour the Day, Linkin Park, Slayer, Eminem, Cypress Hill, Three Days Grace, Korn, and Young Guns.

Q: Do you have any upcoming appearances where we could meet you and get autographs?

A: I have several coming up. Here’s where I’ll be the coming months- NYC, Chicago, LA, San Diego, Washington D.C. Add my facebook page or contact me for details and info on my appearances. The big one I have is in December in Tennessee at the East Tennessee Writer’s Workshop and Holiday book signing hosted by Destiny Blaine. I’ll be the cover model there and will be attending all the events there. Going to be a great event and time! More information here.

 Q: Anything else you’d like to share with us?

 A: First, thank you for interviewing me. It was fun! I want to thank all my friends family and fans for all their love and support with my life and career. And anyone wishing to contact me for work- appearances shoots charity work/events or just to say hello can do so here: Superman530@yahoo.com
or on my facebook pages here:
www.facebook.com/johnantorino and www.facebook.com/johnantorinofanpage

God bless everyone- John Antorino

Websites: 

www.JohnAntorino.com

www.facebook.com/johnantorino 

www.facebook.com/johnantorinofanpage

www.facebook.com/MuscleWizSponsoredAthleteJohnAntorino

www.imdb.com/name/nm3016683/

 http://www.escapingtheholocaust.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Escaping-the-Holocaust/613650468657024?ref=br_tf  
http://romancebooks4us.com/John%20Antorino%20-%20Cover%20Model,%20%20Actor.html

***For more information/photos of John, visit http://romancebooks4us.com and click on his name under the Red Heart section!
Got a question for John? Ask it in the comments section. I'm sure he'll be happy to answer it! Don't have a question? Perhaps you just want to shower him with compliments. That's okay, too. ;) Now's your chance to tell him what's really on your mind!

And THANK YOU, John, for spending some time with us. 
 We really appreciate it!