Lights! Camera! Action! Began at an early age as his first performance was in elementary school at the age of 5 playing the lead role in the play ‘TOM TURKEY’. After the bug of acting hit, the Mexican Latin Pop 80’s group, TIMIBIRICHE, also inspired Antonio. His passion with this band gave him the idea to form his own version with his family and neighborhood friends so he performed at family gatherings, & events, local talent searches, and turned it into neighborhood enjoyment. . At the age of 14, he modified his birth certificate, which won him a spot into the Neil Hamil Modeling School in Houston. He paid his classes with his allowance, was the only ethnic male student and after receiving his first paying commercial, a print modeling project and a national Spanish commercial spot, he signed with his first talent agency. In the early 90’s during his high school years at John Reagan High School, Antonio created a dance group called IMAGEN AZTECA, which was recognized by the Mayor of Houston and led the group traveling to public schools in the greater Houston area. In 1993, Antonio was cast at Houston’s Alley Theater in the musical opera production ‘NORMA’ and became the only ethnic cast member. Later the same year, he was cast at Houston’s Grand Opera in the musical production ‘FOUR SAINTS & 3 ACTS' and ‘WEST SIDE STORY'. Additionally in 1993, Antonio was cast in the follow-up Academy Award winning feature film to ‘TERMS OF ENDEARMENT’ entitled ‘THE EVENING STAR’ starring Shirley McLain, Jack Nicholson and Bill Paxton. His admiration for his craft was noticed when Shirley and Bill begin speaking with him and urged him to move to Hollywood to fulfill his hopes, wishes and dreams. With the guidance from these two role models, Antonio began to plan his post graduation career. After graduation in 1994, Antonio chose his own vision and career path (against his parent’s wishes) and moved to Mexico City (with no home and no connections) but instantly landed a few Spanish “Telenovelas' aka ‘Soap Operas’, which didn’t feed his ambition and shortly thereafter headed back to Texas. In the mid 90’s, he began to study Liberal Arts at the University of Houston and started to audition for feature films such as ‘SELENA’ and meeting with casting directors. Charity has been something that Antonio has always believed in (even before it was trendy and cool) so in 1996 Antonio began working for a non-profit organization called THE RAUL YZAGUIRRE SCHOOL FOR SUCCESS as a coordinator / counselor. Antonio’s wishes to brighten up the image of Latinos made him a role model as he began to design after school programs to keep students off the streets. Called the Extended Day Academic Curriculum Program, which quickly became a success, Antonio received recognition as most dedicated employee of 1996 by the charter board staff. In May of 1997, Antonio was mauled by a dog, which left Antonio’s face severely scarred wherein he lost massive amounts of blood but after hours of restorative surgery and weeks of therapy to regain muscle movement in his face he turned his tragedy (which he felt was a sign from God) into his current craft. SO BEGINS ANTONIO’S QUEST TO HOLLYWOOD…. Antonio began his lonesome journey to Los Angeles with $400 in his pocket and arrived on August 31 1997, (which is a day he will never forget), as it was the day of the death of Princess Diana. Adapting to LA is what you make it but became a great challenge for Antonio. He never gave in and because of the numbers game which is called ‘Hollywood acting and the art of numerous auditions’ he was deservingly cast in such TV shows such as: ‘CAROLINE IN THE CITY', ' PORT CHARLES’ & ‘GENERAL HOSPITAL'. Although LA is not well known for theatre, Antonio’s heart yearned for theatrics so after being cast as Norvel the comedic police officer in The Beverly Hills Playhouse production of ‘CLASS REUNION’, Antonio knew he was “home”. Roles in the blockbuster film ‘THE PRICE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM' as Detective Reyes and as Luis Rodriquez in the hit Spanish film ‘ENTRE LLAMAS' aka ‘INTO THE FLAMES' (official selection of the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals) solidified Antonio’s place in Hollywood. The later film, Antonio “wore” many hats as he was not only talent (as well as performing his own stunts) BUT he was also the casting director. The early 2000’s also won Antonio the role as a fanatical killer in the independent feature ‘THRILL OF THE KILL' and a starring role as Carlos in the short film "CON AMOR PARA MI PADRE'. 2004 working in both spanish an english commercials, Antonio gets cast in the independent feature film "EL DERECHO DE JESUS" starring as Jesus, written an directed by Jesus Galindo. This film will have a theatrical screening soon. Also in the works he has his name attach to another true story drama independent feature film "REDEFINING NORMAL" written by screen writer Tony Bruce. Antonio will co-produce an co-star as Orlando De la Madrid. This project is set to begin production June 2006. Rufino's jewelry line is another creative side of Antonio. When he has time off, you can find him making custom made fashion assesories for men like necklaces, braclets, rings, head bans, etc, he plans on launching his trends out to the Hollywood crowd in the near future. Next time you spot this artist in a production shoot, interview, or at a public event, focus on his assesories he tends to wear alot of his creative items. In conclusion, Antonio has opened up his own production company called ESPERANZA MOON PRODUCTIONS along with his business partner, Lisa Jade Rivera that will encompass projects such as screenplay development, feature films & short film productions, calendars and a unisex assesories line. With his determination, passion, and faith in God, he will continue his long voyage with his freedom of liberty wings (always aiming high for his goal) and following the spirit of the animals he loves: the Lion…the Dolphin…and… the Eagle. Inspirational Quote: "EL EXITO NO LLEGA SOLO, HAY QUE TRABAJAR MUY DURO! SER HUMILDE, AGGRESSIVO, VALIENTE, Y VOLAR CONSTANTE EN LAS METAS QUE UNO SE PROPONE”
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