Interview With John Antorino
Today it is my pleasure to introduce John Antorio. I met John and his lovely mother at the East TN Writers Workshop two weeks ago where he graciously agreed to visit Cover Model Corner. John is a busy man and works as a cover model, actor, personal trainer, nutrition consultant and body builder.
Debra: What was the first cover you appeared on and how did this come about?
John: First romance cover I was on “Dreams of a Raven Moon” I met the author at an event in NYC and she said I want you for my next cover. And so we set it up and made it happen.
Debra: If you could do a photo shoot anywhere in the world for a cover, where would you most want to go? What sort of shoot would it be?
John: Well I’ve worked in some great places already and have done shoots of pretty much every kind. I’ve worked in Brazil Italy Mexico St. Thomas Paris London Germany Aruba South Africa. To name a few. Maybe a snow shoot in Alaska? Hmmmmmmm
Debra: Beyond romance novel cover shots, what other projects or jobs keep you busy?
John: I’ve been blessed to have a great range and the ability to do a wide range of work. And to work hard to change my look and appearance when need be. I do underwear ads. Fitness magazine spreads and covers. I’m an actor as well so I’m working on TV shows and movies. Working on 2 big projects right now. An HBO series called “The Knick” playing a 1900’s Italian immigrant and playing a German Nazi Soldier in “Escaping the Holocaust”. Also, I am a sponsored endorsed athlete for Muscle Wiz supplement company. Been working extremely hard with it all!!
Debra: Can you tell us a little bit about the new movie you’ve been working on “Escaping the Holocaust”?
John: Well I’m playing a tough role. Nazi Soldier Pilka. I’ve prepared long and hard for it. Lost weight learned German and their mannerisms attitudes...It’s a real life true story. Really brutal content. But this has a happy love story ending. It’s about a man and a woman that met in one of the camps and were separated and both thought one another died. Only to find each other many years later alive and well. They are still together to this day. Amazing story.
Debra: It sounds like a great story. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie.
Debra: Who has been your favorite actor to work with so far?
John: Eric Roberts
Debra: Now that your acting career is where you are focused will you still be doing covers?
John: I will still do covers. Yes! Tell all your author and publisher friends. Wink Wink
Debra: I was hoping you would say that. I'd love to have you on one of my covers.
Debra: What's one question you wish an interviewer would ask you?
John: Well I’ve always been an open book. So anyone can ask me anything they want. Anything goes. I don’t get a lot of questions about my personal life and women and my dating and sex life. Haha
Debra: If you wrote a book, what would it be about?
John: My life
Debra: This question is almost always asked in interviews because your fitness level is beyond the average persons. What is your exercise routine and what sort of nutrition plan do you follow to achieve and maintain your level of fitness?
John: I typically do double gym sessions. I do cardio(treadmill bike elliptical)and abs early in the am on an empty stomach. 6am. Then go back in the afternoon and do my weight training. My diet right now is very clean and usually clean eating for me year round. For the past 10 weeks I’ve been eating chicken, fish, egg whites, and turkey. That’s it! In preparation for my recent work and roles. This is the diet I needed. Lost 25lbs.
Debra: If you could share three simple fitness tips the average romance reader could do every day to stay healthy, what would they be?
John: First, Be active…stay active! Go to the gym a several days a week. Walk or run. Do push-ups. You don’t need to be a gym member to be in shape and be healthy. Just be active! Two, drink water. Lots of it! Three, watch your daily fat sugar and carbohydrate intake. And watch eating after 6pm.
Debra: Such great tips. I've really got to watch eating after 6 pm. because I almost always do.
Debr: It's your birthday dinner and the calories don't count. What's on the menu and what are you drinking?
John: Italian food. Lots of it! Chicken parm, ravioli, meatballs, Italian bread. And cannoli’s for dessert. And I’m drinking water. It’s all I drink.
Debra: Describe the perfect romantic evening:
John: I’d cook a nice homemade dinner at home. Candle lit. Nice relaxing chill music. Some good dessert. A good movie. Hugs and kisses. Sleep with my arms around her. That’s my perfect romantic evening.
Debra: That sounds wonderful. Very romantic.
Please share one unusual fact about you or your life:
John: I’ll name a few.
I never had a sip of alcohol in my life. I was a school crisis counselor for several years and worked with disabled adults and children for several years as well. Before my career really took off. I am very passionate about helping others and giving back.
Eight Quickie questions:
1.) Watching the sunrise or watching the sunset and the stars?
I love both. But if I had to pick one would be the sunset. Perfect end to the day.
2.) The beach or the mountains?
Easy one. Beach
3.) Primitive camping or luxury hotel? Luxury hotel
4.) Snow skiing or water skiing? Water skiing
5.) Favorite movie: Hard one. I have so many. Goodfellas
6.) Best book you ever read: The Bible
7.) Fav. Sport to play: Wrestling
8.) Fav. Sport to watch: Football
Debra: John, you have such a positive and encouraging way about you and you have accomplished so much in your life already. Are there any words of encouragement you would like to share here today?
John: Thank you. Yes. Just always be willing to work hard for what you want in life. Be willing to sacrifice. Nothing in life worth anything comes easy. Set goals and go after them. Never ever let anyone tell you, you can’t do something. And I am huge on staying humble and down to earth, and give back as much as you can.
Debra: Excellent advice. John, thank you for visiting with me today. It's been fun getting to know you. Before we say goodbye, do you have any news or announcements to share?
John: My pleasure. Just watch out for “Escaping the Holocaust”. And “The Knick”. And more covers coming soon!!
Debra: How can fans stay up to date on your latest news?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnantorino and www.facebook.com/johnantorinofanpage
