When you meet Tom Paolino, there is something you immediately see — a depth and a spirituality that is both calming and intriguing. He’s the real thing, with a dedication to his craft and a gratitude for everything that has happened to him and around him. There are no small moments in his life — or in anyone’s life — everything means something and is interconnected. Whether you believe this or not, you will feel it when you interact with Tom Paolino. The man has an intensity that matches his talent.Tom Paolino is a native Rhode Islander, an alumnus of Brown University who has also received his master’s degree in counseling from Loyola Marymount University. An interesting fact, because he is now co-writing, co-producing and co-starring in a romantic comedy with Alexa Servodidio who is also an actor and therapist. Tom and Alexa wrote a story about dating that utilizes their education as professional therapists and actors. They will produce the play in New York in March 2014 and are meeting directors for both the stage and film versions.
Paolino is an actor/writer and producer who is helping to put RI on the map as a place to find hard working, up-and-coming talented performers. At one time, he had other aspirations. He was a hockey player at Brown University, but sustained a somewhat life-changing injury during his freshman year. He did come back to play hockey, but after discovering acting in his sophomore year at Brown, switched his focus to the stage. He has not looked back since and has become very accomplished in his chosen career.
Tom is the only actor who appeared in all six of Chad Verdi’s films, most recently as Sobecheck in Army of the Damned, which went into worldwide distribution on December 3. In February, he will appear in a play by Laura Colella, the writer /director of Breakfast With Curtis, which attracted major attention at Sundance, and from Paul Thomas Anderson (Magnolia, There Will Be Blood).
Tom introduced himself to Laura after reading my profile on her in Motif. This does not surprise me — he is determined, he knows when he has experienced something that feels “right” to him, and the benevolence within his life does not go unnoticed by him.
Add to these performances a film coming out by Joshua Gleason of Spirit Farm Films about a young man who is seduced into a cult by two leaders, one of whom Tom plays. This particular cult believes that by physically harming themselves, they make it possible to control the circumstances of their lives.
This is a man who, upon entering and getting set for a training session at a gym recently, followed a disciplined ritual, which starts with writing down all the things he is grateful for, and that’s not a short list. Tom was inspired by the writings of Rhonda Byrne (The Secret), to take this action. The things most of us never think about on a daily basis are the things that this man gives his humble and sincere thanks for before declaring those things that he will accomplish in the future.
I am also particularly struck by his main concern with high quality work and being the best he can be in any situation. It is not fame and money that drive him, but the the quality and depth of the work and doing his best to bring these stories to life.
This dedication is evident in his family life as well. On January 29, his father, who was afflicted with leukemia, entered the hospital after receiving a bone marrow transplant. Tom contacted his father — after the two were estranged for some time — with this request: “Let me take care of you.”
Tom drove through ice and snow to get to his dad, and did not leave his side for three weeks until he passed. Tears fall at the table where I am sitting with Tom — from both of us. I was moved by his sincerity, his openness and his belief that gratitude and giving back is the cornerstone to a life well lived. A life worth living requires those you love and cherish.
I am also completely floored by his simple declaration: “I am where I am supposed to be. I will put my best self into this life, and God willing, those things I desire to accomplish will come to me.”
Tom’s about balance, though, so he has a very comedic side, too. In fact, he wrote a story called “House of No,” which Rich Camp converted into the screenplay, Please Punish Me. It’s a short comedy film about a successful businessman who doesn’t feel that he deserves all the good fortune in his life. Chris Esper will direct and the film will be produced by Macremi in 2014.
Lastly, I’ve got to mention the film that has been on Tom’s mind for some time – the one he feels that he should be a part of as he knows the sun will rise in the morning. This film, of course, is Bleed for This, a film about the great fighter Vinny Pazienza, or “Paz” as he is known.
There are similarities between these two. They both overcame major setbacks, regained control over their lives and beat the odds — Tom with alcohol abuse and Vinny with a devastating auto accident. The film is a Chad Verdi production, and Martin Scorsese is executive producing it, with a budget of 16 to 20 million dollars. It would be an understatement to say that everyone in the film business in Rhode Island would like to be a part of this film. Few, however, match Tom’s passion – and the blood, sweat and tears he’s already devoted to this film.
From his research to his living arrangements to dozens of hours spent with the boxer himself, Tom has immersed himself in the story of Vinny Paz and this film. Originally, he hoped to play the boxer, but he realized that they would want a younger man to play the part. On September 7, Tom auditioned for Kevin Rooney, Vinny’s trainer, a very important and integral part of the film. Based on the very positive response from writer/director Ben Younger (that’s what happens when you read the script 65 times), he continues to prepare, put his best foot forward and let the universe do the rest.
Tom Paolino is already a winner. He is gracious, humble and massively talented. Whether he gets a part in the Paz film will not change this fact, and I wish him well. Whatever he does, it is the right thing, at the right time, in the right place. His star is ascending, and the higher it goes, the brighter it burns.
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