Lo Bianco is an award-winning actor as well as a filmmaker, writer and producer. He co-starred in such films as the Academy Award-winning “The French Connection” with Gene Hackman, Oliver Stone’s “Nixon” with Anthony Hopkins, and “The Juror” with Alec Baldwin and Demi Moore. Lo Bianco has a great admiration and love for members of the armed services and their families, and has spent many holidays visiting injured troops at Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. What are you doing now?
I have a film opening in March called “Kill the Irishman.” Ray Stevenson, Christopher Walken, Vincent D’Onofrio are part of this amazing cast. It’s a true story about a fellow from Cleveland, a real tough guy in the mob. He’s impossible to kill.
What did you learn growing up in Brooklyn and throughout your career that has made you who you are today?
When I look back to where I was born and raised, Brooklyn — the streets of Brooklyn — you’re prepared for almost anything life throws at you. When I think of New York, it’s the big melting pot. It represents what our nation is and what the rest of the world aspires to be. It’s the great experiment and a shining example of what it could be. … Growing up in Brooklyn teaches you street smarts — and that, in my opinion, beats out school smarts most of the time.
You were in New York on 9/11. With the holidays approaching, what goes through your mind?
It was an amazing experience and one of the most tragic times in our history. I remember when there were no cars on the streets of New York, everyone banded together — there was cohesion in sorrow.
Is there a message you’d like to send to our troops and their families this holiday season?
My heart is so full with love for them and their families. Whatever I can do for the troops, I try to do. They make the sacrifices and they’re doing what they do for us.
Sara A. Carter
