The Wiz in Jersey City wanted to keep the cameras rolling for actor Michael DeLorenzo, who stopped by to meet with Union City students and sign autographs for the public two weeks ago.
Best known for his role as detective Eddie Torres in the television show “New York Undercover,” DeLorenzo was at The Wiz on 400 Marin Blvd. on June 9 to promote his new project “Resurrection Blvd.,” a show about a family of boxers in Los Angeles, which airs periodically on Showtime. He was also in town to participate in New York City’s national Puerto Rican Day parade as Ambassador of Good Will, a title he has held for two years.
Before the autograph signing staged in the middle of the store, DeLorenzo spoke to seven drama students from Woodrow Wilson School in a private room in the store about acting and the importance of a good education. “Nobody can be better than you at being you,” DeLorenzo told the students. “I always strive to be better and successful. Your life is your life. No one can stop you from being great or wonderful but you.”
In an interview, DeLorenzo said he never likes to think of acting as anything but his work. He is grateful for the places he has traveled and the people he has met through acting.
“I like doing what I do,” he said. “I like to talk to people who want to listen.”
Several students asked the actor questions about his profession.
Danny Reyes, 14, was impressed with DeLorenzo’s message. He hopes to follow many of the steps the actor has taken in his career.
“He gave me some advice I might use. I look up to him,” Reyes said.
Like his schoolmate, Justin Procaccino, 14, was interested in meeting DeLorenzo. He is a big fan of the show New York Undercover, and is an aspiring actor.
“His message impacted me,” he said.
Liz Peraza, 13, was at first nervous to meet DeLorenzo, but when he started talking, she said it felt normal. “I was curious to find out how it was what he did,” she said.
DeLorenzo’s film credits include “A Few Good Men,” “Somebody to Love,” “Satisfaction,” “Judgment Night,” “Best Seller,” “Mi Familia” and “The Couch Trip.” He also starred in the television series “Head of the Class” as Alex Torres.
DeLorenzo was born and raised in New York City and attended that city’s High School of the Performing Arts. This was the first time the actor held a promotional event at The Wiz, a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporations that operates in 42 locations.