Stingray

( Aug. 1987 )

NICK MANCUSO: The 38-year-old actor grew up in Canada (he was born in Sicily) and he recalls: "l started at 16 and continued acting through high school and university (the University of Toronto), l've done summer stock, barn theater— where l slept in the hayloft between shows—street, regional and Underground theater." He's also done:"TV pilots, movies of the week, studio movies, B and C movies and critically acclaimed movies." Some of these films include, Death Of Angel, Ticket To Heaven, Paroles et Musique, Heartbreakers, Blame It On The Night, and Night Magic. Indeed, Mancuso's early life in the theater was quite interesting. He recalls a memorable exchange when he was
appearing in a stage production of Tennessee Williams' Night Of The Iguana.
The playwright was there during the production and Nick says: "l was right out
of College and still pretty idealistic about life. l couldn't understand why such
a great man hung out with such fawning admirers. So one day, l said, 'Mr. Williams, why do you surround yourself with such sycophants?'" Williams' answer? "Because, dear boy, they l-l-i-i-i-ike me!" Over the years, Mancuso has
learned quite a bit—he speaks several dialects of Italian, French and Spanish. He's taken roles of Indians, Italians, Israelis and even Latinos. But what is his ultimate goal? "Every year there are about four movies that have great scripts, a wonderful cast, very good budgets and top-notch directors ... all the elements. l've experienced each element separately, but never under the same roof." And what was his feeling as he started Stingray? "l feel like l've come to the end of a full cycle. l figure l must be at a point where something new is about to unfold, and l'm looking forward to finding out what it is."