If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world.........Chicago Meet SCENE-Chicago Featured Actor: Jose Antonio Santiago I am Jose Antonio Santiago Jr. “The Hottest Latino Actor Coming out of Chicago” is my mantra. Puerto Rican, Mexican, Aztec Indian, and Pacific Islander runs in my blood. My family and I are close. I am a loving father of four wonderful children: one daughter, Arial, and three boys: Jose III, Antonio, and Ricardo. Spending fourteen years working as an Executive chef was one of the many highlights of my life. I served as chef for several of the finest restaurants in Chicago and New York. At age 12, my grandfather passed away. I turned to the streets for comfort and direction, but this was not because I didn’t come from a loving family. While attending East Chicago Indiana High School, acting seemed like the natural choice for me. My first major role was Bernardo in “The West Side Story.” This was a chance to get my feet wet and redirect misplaced energy at the time. After having my first child, I had to stop acting and went into the culinary arts, which I did for over twenty years. I reignited my acting career after a peculiar chain of events. After nearly losing my life in 2012 for assisting the police in intercepting an armed bank robber, I reawakened my relationship with God and began attending church. As the story goes, I chased down and apprehended two bank robbers, while aiding a wounded officer that was on the scene. Afterward, the Mayor of Hammond presented me with a Key to the City of Hammond, Indiana for my courageous actions. I also received the Fraternity of Police (FOP) Citizen Assisting Police Award. I was subsequently contacted by newspapers and news stations to tell my electrifying story. The next thing I knew, Extras casting for Chicago Fire contacted me and the rest is history. My first short film was Night Thrasher Rave, after which came the lead role of “Diablo” for Chiraq TV series, Sinister 2 the movie (2015), The Land (lead role) 2014, and Clash of the Vampires (supporting role) 2015. The role of “Diablo” in Chiraq: A New Drama Series is one I fully relate to from the bottom of my heart. With many faces and layers, Diablo’s character is multidimensional and has the potential for an astonishing metamorphosis during the series. I have been there on the streets. I walked in Diablo’s shoes. And I want to change them and make our neighborhoods better, for families, and especially for my kids and the next generations to come. Being on the opposite side of the law made me realize God’s plan for me was better. There had to be something more in the grand scheme of things. I thought that maybe, just maybe, I could turn my life around. God granted me that wish. I surrendered to Him and never looked back! I could have died that day on the street or in the terrible car crash that left my car totaled. But not so! God has a plan. He always has a plan. It’s my desire to inspire others with my story. Putting God first in my life has made all the difference in the world. Blessing and abundance is pouring out into my life! He has opened doors that no man can shut. I love bringing characters to life! Gratitude, motivation, and persistence is what keeps me going and pushing forward, along with remembering where I have been. There’s a fiery passion in me to do awesome things, and to promote positive images and stigmas of Latinos. “I don’t think, I just do” and then God will do the rest.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 05:50:20 +0000
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