About
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ROD
It is hard to determine exactly when Rod decided to make his passion for the performing arts his career, but it has obviously been in his blood since childhood. He began performing with his family in church (as a family singing group), and later performed in the Junior High and High School Swing Choir and school musicals. In high school, after seeing a really good cover-band at an assembly, he decided then and there that he wanted to be a rock singer and keyboardist.
Rod is very intelligent and his common sense told him that he also wanted to make money in his chosen career. He had good grades in school, has always cared about people, and likes to help others, so he thought he wanted to become a doctor. He decided the performing thing was only something he would maybe do in Community theatre. It wasn't until he was hired by Tokyo Disneyland that he actually considered becoming an actor by profession. His fans all agree that they are very happy about his decision.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS and INTERESTS
Rod is a well rounded individual whose talent and accomplishments are wide ranging. The list goes on and on, but here are a few notable things he has done. For one, he holds a private pilot’s license; speaks several dialects including Australian, Irish, British, Southern, and Brooklyn-ese. He can also communicate in German and Japanese, though he admits he may be a little rusty since he has not used it so much lately.
Obviously Rod is an accomplished actor, singer, musician, and skater. In addition, he has been certified in stage combat and stunts, is a certified Spinning instructor, and a certified Personal Trainer. Rod has worked as a career consultant and advisor for fellow actors. He even has a plan to teach voice and perhaps teach acting somewhere down the road.
Much of Rod’s personal time lately has been spent as a video editor, film music engineer, photographer, videographer (cinematographer), and computer expert and tutor (Mac mainly).
In his spare time Rod also enjoys spinning (on exercise bikes), almost all types of athletics including swimming, football, and is an avid road-cyclist (thanks to Lance Armstrong).
Acting and music are a major part of Rod’s professional career, but music is also an important part of his personal life. Rod enjoys playing guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboarding (piano) in his leisure time. He also writes and records music; has done sound recording and engineering; and film music scoring. Rod sings Pop, Rock, legitimate (traditional Broadway and lyric opera), Jazz, Barbershop, Doo-wop, Croon (a la Sammy and Frank), and has been nicknamed "One-take Weber" on more than one occasion in the recording studios due to his impeccable pitch-awareness.
Some Favorite Things
Many fans are interested in a performer’s “favorite things” so here are some of Rod’s
Foods: Thai Red-Curry Chicken, Indian Chicken Tikka Marsala
Colors: blue, sometimes green
Past times: Camping (especially in
Car: the new Dodge Magnum station wagon... looks cool and retro!
Sports: likes to play: baseball, softball, cycling;
likes to watch: live baseball game, Tour de France on TV
Music: very eclectic taste, loves almost all music including Broadway, country, pop and rock, classic rock, classical, easy listening electronica... you name it. No specific Groups, or too many to name.
Singer: Sammy Davis, Jr. Very few people know what a truly amazing performer he really was.
Movies: Schindler's List, The Sound of Music, The Notebook
TV Programs: used to watch Thirtysomething and NYPD Blue avidly (10-15 years ago), currently more into watching films.
Actors: too many to list
Favorite Roles Rod Performed: Greaseball in Starlight Express, Jerry in The Full Monty, Rum Tum Tugger in Cats (in that order)