Biography
Frank Rossi was born in Buffalo, NY. A graduate of Baker Victory High School, Frank began his acting career performing in several plays and musicals in high school. Mr. Rossi then continued his education by attending Colgate University on a four-year football scholarship. While at Colgate, Frank played football and track while simultaneously finding the time to perform in several college musicals and plays.
After receiving his BA in Economics, Mr. Rossi accepted a management training position with the prestigious New York banking firm, Manufacturers Hanover Trust. Over the next year, Frank became the top salesman in his division.
While working at the bank one afternoon, Frank's life was changed forever. A talent agent walked into his office for a commercial loan. Two weeks later, Frank began studying with former Sanford Meisner student and neighborhood playhouse graduate, Greg Zittel. Mr. Rossi graduated from the two-year program, then became a member of Actors Equity Association, performing in several Off-Off - Broadway plays, including "A Hatful Of Rain," "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof," and Private Wars.
In between shows, Frank continued his studies by attending various classes on cold reading, scene study, and on camera technique with the well respected, Arthur Sherman. A product of the Actors Studio, Mr. Sherman directed several Broadway productions including, "Death Of A Salesman" starring Dustin Hoffman.
Then with the edging of acting friend, Cylk Cozart, Frank traveled to Miami, Florida, walked into the Miami Vice production office and persuaded casting director, Dee Miller to audition him on the spot. Two days later, after auditioning for the director, Frank landed a co-star role on the number one TV show in the country. Returning to New York with his recently obtained Screen Actors Guild card, Frank then joined AFTRA and began performing as a principal in several national commercials, as well as guest starring on, "As The World Turns" and "One Life to Live." Frank also began writing shorts, and spec scripts for film and television.
Mr. Rossi then moved to Los Angeles. He immediately joined the well-respected, Vincent Chase on camera and cold reading workshop. Mr. Chase had coached hundreds of soap and television stars over his 35-year career.
Frank also auditioned for Stella Adler's master class. Ms. Adler was considered one of the two top acting teachers in American history, privately coaching; Robert Deniro, Al Pacino, Warren Beatty, Dustin Hoffman and a host of other film stars. A year later, Mr. Rossi expanded his studies, spending the next two years at the Harvey Lembeck Comedy improv workshop. Mr. Rossi has also studied acting and writing with Oscar winner, Bobby Moresco, his mentor and long time friend.
Frank enjoyed 12 years in Los Angels, acting in over 25 national commercial, several feature films, including; "White Men Can't Jump," "Blue Chips," "The Criminal Mind," as well as guest starring 21 times on, "The Young and the Restless," "Days Of Our Lives" and "General Hospital." Frank also guest-starred on the sitcom, "The Single Guy," and Gary Goldberg's show, "Champs."
While in LA, Frank teamed up with manager/producer, Beverlee Dean. Ms. Dean has managed such notables as Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore, Kevin Sorbo, Cylk Cozart and Jim Caviezial. It was here where, Frank was asked to privately coach several of, Ms. Dean's clients in on-camera film technique, including, for nearly two years, "The Passion Of The Christ" star, Jim Caviezel.
Frank will be co-starring in the upcoming feature, "The Alphabet Killer," starring, Timothy Hutton and Elisha Dushku. Frank plays police officer, Francis Baker. Frank recently starred in and co-wrote the feature, "Exit 14" where he plays, lawyer, Charlie Moss.
WRITING CREDITS - Mr. Rossi began writing in 1990. In that year, Frank co-wrote and produced the short film titled, "Struggle Within," with writer/director, William Phelps. The project sold and was distributed in high schools throughout the country. Frank continued his love for creating writing and wrote several screenplays throughout the 90's.
In 1997, Frank spent two years under the tutelage of TV Executive Producer and Oscar winner, Robert Moresco. Frank's next success came in 1997 when he sold an episode to the TV show, "Millennium" starring, Lance Henrikson. Mr. Rossi also wrote and produced the serial killer thriller, "A Time Of Fear." The film premiered in Los Angeles on 10/31/03 and starred Nick Mancuso. Mr. Rossi currently has two screenplays being shopped in Los Angeles, "The Ghost Of Father Baker" and "An Everyday Hero." Mr. Rossi hopes to film both projects in Buffalo in 2007 and 2008. He also has a TV Pilot currently being looked at by several top Television agents. To date, Frank has also been paid to write four screenplays in the past five years.