Vic Vallaro(1933-1999)
- Actor
Vic Vallaros's professional experience spanned 40 years in varied areas
of the performing arts. Originally a dancer, Vic studied at the
Metropolitan Opera School of Ballet in New York. Vic developed his
craft as an actor appearing in 14 seasons of summer stock, 4 Broadway
companies, 13 companies of "West Side Story", 3 national companies, and
numerous other theatre groups. He performed, choreographed and
instructed in all aspects of dance. Directing followed choreography.
Vic segued from dance to acting. He worked with a number of acting
teachers but the ones who had the most influence were John Cassavettes,
Wyn Handman, Michael Gazzo and Cory Allen. Vic's producing background
included owning his own company in New York, which concerned itself
with bringing Off Broadway to the college and university circuit. Vic
augmented this with the unique experience of being a managerial
consultant to Groucho Marx. Vic's teaching background spanned 12 years
with work done privately at various professional schools and two
universities; East Carolina Teachers College and University of Nevada.
Vic enjoyed an extensive repertoire. While in New York Vic landed a
recurring role in the day time drama "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing".
In Los Angeles he appeared in over seventy television shows and
garnered motion picture roles. Vic also branched off to stand-up comedy
throughout clubs nationwide. Vic's milieu however was the "stage" That
is where he came from and what he most valued. His dedication was to
the ultimate complete theatre experience-a place where all the elements
of dramatic art can be developed into living, breathing productions-the
physical manifestation of theatrical philosophy. Vic had an unwavering
commitment to all his ventures and endeavors and most of all to his
craft and to live theatre. During his last years, in his retirement,
Vic would not ever be without an artistic outlet, he ventured into
radio broadcasting where he created and produced a one hour weekly
music/variety radio show called "The Latin Experience" in this show Vic
exposed all aspects of Latin music from the early New York Latin big
band to the current Latin music, specifically focusing on the roots of
Latin music, from Latin jazz to Latin rock and based his show on the
"crossover" of Latin music and how it impacted our music industry. Vic
interviewed legends from Tito Puento, Celia Cruz, to local musicians
whom have impacted Latin music in general. The show also included Latin
artists, actors and various performers. His last endeavor proved his
unwavering commitment to the performing arts and all artists.
