Giancarlo Esposito was conceived on 26th April 1958 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Esposito has won much critical acclaim over the course of his career, but perhaps the greatest accolade came on April 26, 2014, when he was awarded the 2,523rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Esposito’s father, Giovanni, was an Italian stagehand and carpenter from Naples. Although the series only lasted one season, and did not garner generally positive reviews, it represented a personal turning point for Esposito, who related to The Washington Post, "I started to play bosses. In April 2019, Esposito announced his next project, which will see him star alongside Adrienne Barbuea and Tobin Vell in the first episode of the horror series anthology, Creepshow. He played this character during the show's seventh and final season, and reprised the role for its 2000 made-for-TV movie. In 2016, he also lent his voice to Akela in Jon Favreau’s Jungle Book. He performed again in the fourth season, in the episode titled "Paranormal Parentage". Despite since making his name as an acclaimed film and TV star, Esposito hasn’t turned his back on the theater. During the 1990s Esposito appeared in the acclaimed indie films Night on Earth, Fresh and Smoke, as well as its sequel Blue in the Face. His father is Giovanni Esposito, an Italian stagehand and carpenter from Naples and her mother is Elizabeth Foster, an African American opera and nightclub singer. It Was Just a Matter of Time Before a Frasier Revival, Why We’ll Be Watching Marvel’s “Behind the Mask”, Five Things Movies Get Wrong About Salesmen, The Reason Sean Connery Turned down Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, Ebola Rex Vs. Esposito was born on April 26, 1958, in Copenhagen, Denmark, to Giovanni Esposito and Elizabeth Foster. His opinion has not yet been confirmed by the show’s producers, so we can only hope that time proves him wrong. Over the years, he’s lent his name, face, and money to various charitable organizations, most of which have had some affiliation with the environment, the arts and education. Esposito was born on April 26, 1958, in Copenhagen, Denmark, to an Italian father, Giovanni Esposito, and African-American mother, Elizabeth Foster. As a child, Esposito’s hero was Burt Lancaster, the legendary actor who won worldwide acclaim (and multiple Academy and Golden Globe nominations) for his appearances in such classics as Elmer Gantry, Atlantic City and Zulu Dawn. Now the actor wants you to see him as himself", "Giancarlo Esposito heads to Reggae Film Festival", "TV BITS: Giancarlo Esposito To Join ABC Series, Howie Mandel To Produce Reality Format, Ben Silveran To Publish Comic", "Exclusive: Giancarlo Esposito Talks About His, "The Boys showrunner unpacks the finale cliffhanger, cameos, and season 2 plans", "Disney's 'Jungle Book' Adds Christopher Walken & Giancarlo Esposito", "Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito Is Working On A Big Video Game That He Can't Tell You About", "ICYMI: The week on Front Row PLUS Inside new #BigEast 30 for 30 film debuting Sunday", "Far Cry 6 Confirmed With Clip Featuring Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giancarlo_Esposito&oldid=1004874860, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2017, Wikipedia articles with BIBSYS identifiers, Wikipedia articles with CINII identifiers, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers, Wikipedia articles with PLWABN identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with Trove identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Episode: "The Big Employee Benefits Episode", This page was last edited on 4 February 2021, at 21:02. He followed up the appearance a few years later with a part in the children’s chorus of The Electric Company, an early 1970’s education show that aimed to teach kids via the medium of song, animation, and live-action sketches. In 1995 Esposito was featured in a music video "California" by French superstar Mylene Farmer, directed by Abel Ferrara. Esposito's other major films include King of New York (1990), Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991), Fresh (1994), The Usual Suspects (1995), Ali (2001), Last Holiday (2006), Gospel Hill (2008), Rabbit Hole (2010), Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015), The Jungle Book (2016), Money Monster (2016), Okja (2017), Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018), and Stargirl (2020). Born to his Italian father Giovanni Esposito and African-American mother Elizabeth Foster, Giancarlo holds dual nationality of Italian-American. Esposito appeared in the first season of the ABC program Once Upon a Time, which debuted in October 2011. Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito was born in Copenhagen, the son of Giovanni "John" C. Esposito (1931–2002), an Italian stagehand and carpenter from Naples, and Elizabeth "Leesa" Foster (1926–2017), an African-American opera and nightclub singer from Alabama. [11] Esposito has additionally appeared in a video of the action role-playing sci-fi first-person shooter game Destiny, as well as plays The Dentist, a non-playable story character, in the game Payday 2. His mother, an opera and nightclub singer, was from Alabama. The director and actor clearly enjoyed a mutual admiration, and over the next four years, they collaborated on 3 further projects: 1989’s Do the Right Thing, an account of racial tensions in Brooklyn, Mo’ Better Blues, Lee’s 1990’s musical drama, and Malcolm X, the epic biographical drama about black activist Malcolm X. He is Gianca rrr lo (roll that “r”) EsPOSito, not Giancarlo EspoSITO. He has joined the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series. He attended Elizabeth Seton College, and studied radio and television communications, earning a degree after two years. In 2019, he appeared in the first season finale of The Boys as Stan Edgar, and reprises the role in the second season.[12]. Inspired by the success of Gospel Hill, Esposito has gone on to direct a 2nd feature, The Show, which tells the story of a reality game show in which contestants commit suicide for the entertainment of viewers. He won the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama award at the 2012 Critics' Choice Television Awards and was nominated for an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series award at the 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards, but lost to co-star Aaron Paul. By profession, he is a director and actor. His father is an Italian man who worked as a carpenter as well as a stagehand. Giancarlo Esposito, Actor: Breaking Bad. He also appeared in the mainstream film Reckless with Mia Farrow, and Waiting to Exhale starring Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett. [16], Esposito married Joy McManigal in 1995; they later divorced. His parents, working in Europe at the time of his birth, settled in Manhattan by the time he was 6, and that's where he grew up. Giancarlo Giuseppi Alessandro Esposito was born on April 26, 1958 in Copenhagen, Denmark to African-American mother Elizabeth Foster and Italian father Giovanni Esposito. Esposito’s decision to follow a career in acting came after an appearance in Seesaw at the age of 13. 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[17], [dʒaŋˈkarlo dʒuˈsɛppe alesˈsandro eˈspɔːzito], Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, "Giancarlo Esposito Pictures, Biography, Filmography, News, Videos", "You've seen Giancarlo Esposito in everything. In 2002 Esposito was cast as a legal eagle in the David E. Kelley television drama Girls Club. Esposito is as equally talented behind the camera as he is in front of it. He has one brother, Vincent. Add this to what he pulls in from other projects, and we’re looking at a very respectable net worth of $6 million… although with four teenage daughters (Shayne Lyra, Kale Lyn, Syrlucia and Ruby) by ex-wife Joy McManigal, how much of that Esposito gets to spend on himself is another story entirely. Han föddes i Köpenhamn och växte först upp i Europa innan han vid sex års ålder slog sig ner i New York tillsammans med sin familj.. Father of four children In the year 1995, Esposito exchanged his wedding vows with his former wife, Joy McManigal. He has a brother named Vincent. Given his European background, it’s perhaps no surprise to learn the talented actor knows a thing or two about languages. She was kind, open-hearted, and generous in … In 2008 he appeared on Broadway as Gooper in an African American production of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by Debbie Allen and starring James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, and Terrence Howard. Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to an Italian carpenter/stagehand father from Naples, Italy, and an African-American opera singer mother from Alabama. Thanks to the groundbreaking success of Breaking Bad, the talented actor could afford to have some pretty high demands when it came time to negotiate his contract for follow up, Better Call Saul. As a result, he can now boast a two-year degree in radio and television from the Elizabeth Seton College in Yonkers, New York. L. Jackson, was released to critical acclaim in 2008, scooping a staggering 9 awards at that year’s film festivals. The actor has a brother named Vincent Esposito. In Feel the Noise (2007), he played ex-musician Roberto, the Puerto Rican father of Omarion Grandberry's character, aspiring rap star "Rob". He is the son of Giovanni Esposito (father) and Elizabeth Foster (mother). If they want the respect of their peers and the love of their fans, they have to do good “works” as well. Other TV credits include NYPD Blue, Law & Order, The Practice, New York Undercover, and Fallen Angels: Fearless. The crowd- pleaser routinely attracts large crowds to his performances, in which he relays his take on the state of race relations, art, entertainment and culture in America. Fans flicking through Esposito’s back catalog may be surprised by one past credit in particular. And I realized, 'Oh, okay, this is an opportunity.' He is American by natinoanliy. At that point, his parents decided to abandon Denmark for the Big Apple, and Esposito spent the remainder of his formative years in Manhattan, New York. According to CNW, Esposito is now taking home an estimated $65 thousand per episode. He appeared in the film Rabbit Hole (2010). Its your fault for trying them. He is also known for his appearances in several Spike Lee films, such as School Daze (1988), Do the Right Thing (1989), Mo' Better Blues (1990), and Malcolm X (1992). During the 1980s, Esposito appeared in films such as Taps, Maximum Overdrive, King of New York, and Trading Places. It was this entrepreneurial spirit that so appealed to Esposito, who notes: “He was one of the first actors in Hollywood to start his own production company, and I respected him because he created something he believed in”. Mike's estranged father, shift lieutenant Al Giardello, is portrayed as subject to racism, something Esposito's character practiced in School Daze. The actor, who plays drug lord Gustavo Fring in the series, confidently declared to interviewers that “There will be six seasons”. Other notable actors who’ve lent their voices to the series include Rosario Dawson, Rainn Wilson, Christian Slater and Jennifer Hale. This talented actor, director, and producer continues to entertain fans, and his talent is a great fit on our sidewalk of immortalized stars.”. [9], Esposito appeared in Revolution as Major Tom Neville, a central character who kills Ben Matheson in the pilot. His father, a stage carpenter, was from Naples. Esposito was born on 26th April 1958 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Height. Born on April 26, 1958, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Giancarlo Esposito is the son of Giovanni Esposito and Elizabeth Foster. Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to an Italian carpenter/stagehand father from Naples, Italy, and an African-American opera singer mother from Alabama. Giancarlo Esposito was born Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito on 26 April 1958 in Copenhagen, Denmark. [1] [2] [3] [4] More recently, he’s achieved a new level of success with his role as drug kingpin Gus Fring in the hugely popular AMC shows, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Her Father, Giancarlo Esposito Is Half African American And Half Italian Her father was born to parents, Giovanni Esposito and Elizabeth foster, in Copenhagen, Denmark. The original film starred Cheers star Ted Danson, and, strangely enough, Adrienne Barbuea. His stage career began in childhood, when he appeared opposite Shirley Jones as an orphan in the 1968 Broadway production of Maggie Flynn. That role drew from both his African American and Italian ancestry. In the fourth season, he was the show's primary antagonist, and won critical acclaim for this role. Esposito was raised in Copenhagen (along with his older brother, Vincent) until the age of six. His mother was an opera and nightclub singer from Alabama; his father was a stagehand and carpenter from Naples, Italy. Father – Giovanni ‘John’ C. Esposito (Stagehand, Carpenter) (d. 2002) Mother – Elizabeth ‘Leesa’ Foster (Opera and Nightclub Singer) (d. 2017) Siblings – Vincent Esposito (Older Brother) Build. He first tied the knot with Joy McManigal in 1995 and they were head over heels in love with each other. He played J. C. Pierce, a cadet in the 1981 movie Taps.[8]. [1][2][3][4], When Esposito was six, his family moved from Copenhagen, Denmark to Manhattan, New York, United States. In 2001, he played Cassius Marcellus Clay, Sr. in Ali, and Miguel Algarín, friend and collaborator of Nuyorican poet Miguel Piñero, in Piñero. Of his decision, Esposito says, “I figured if I never made It as an actor, I could go to Alaska, be a cameraman, and collect a paycheck. Until the age of 6, he grew up in Denmark and then Esposito along with his family moved to Manhattan, New York. Weight. [14] He plays the role of New York congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in the 2019 Epix series Godfather of Harlem. Giancarlo Esposito real name is Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito. In 2017, Esposito reprised his role as Gus Fring in the Breaking Bad prequel series, Better Call Saul. A sequel is currently underway, although it’s as yet unconfirmed whether Esposito will reprise his role. [7] He was also a member of the youthful cast of the Stephen Sondheim-Harold Prince collaboration Merrily We Roll Along, which closed with 16 performances and 56 previews in 1981. His mother was an African-American opera and nightclub singer from Alabama, and his father was an Italian stagehand and carpenter from Naples. In recent years, Esposito has branched into voice-over work. Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito was born in Copenhagen, the son of Giovanni "John" C. Esposito (1931–2002), an Italian stagehand and carpenter from Naples, and Elizabeth "Leesa" Foster (1926–2017), an African-American opera and nightclub singer from Alabama. The young Esposito didn’t just admire Lancaster for his acting chops, however: during the 1950’s, Lancaster made a series of widely acclaimed films (including Sweet Smell of Success (1957) and Separate Tables (1958) with his production company Hect-Hill-Lancaster, proving himself to be just as much a success behind the camera as in front of it. His parents, working in Europe at the time of his birth, settled in Manhattan by the time he was 6, and that's where he grew up. 75 kg or 165.5 lbs Giancarlo, of Red Hook, turns 59 on Thursday. He is the child of mother Elizabeth Cultivate and father Giovanni Esposito. He is Movies (Actor) by profession. (Photo: PopSugar.com) His wife used to accompany him in many red carpets, award ceremonies or screenings. Some of his favorite activities include practicing his downward dog at yoga class, belting out a tune on his trusty saxophone, and picking up some LA sunshine as he cruises around town on his motorbike. Elizabeth Esposito and I met at Lincoln Center around the time Giancarlo was performing there in a play I wrote, "Punk Plutonium." Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito, who was born on April 26, 1958, is an American actor and director. He is best known for portraying Gus Fring in the AMC crime drama series Breaking Bad (2009–2011) and the prequel series Better Call Saul (2017–present), for which he won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and earned three nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. ‘Supervillain’ Trailer: Showtime’s New ‘The Making of Tekashi 6ix9ine’ Docu-Series Is Narrated By Giancarlo Esposito Under his production company, Quiet Hand Productions, Esposito made his directorial debut with Gospel Hill. The series is a reboot of the 1982 comedy horror film of the same name, written by Stephen King. 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