Yorgo Constantine
- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Producer
YORGO CONSTANTINE
(Live Free Or Die Hard, Fast Five)
Yorgo was born in New York City. He grew up in Tribeca. He comes from an Artistic Family. His Mother was a ballerina and part time dance choreographer. His Sister was a singer, song writer, actress and artist. His Father, an immigrant from Athens, Greece, studied film and directing at New York University. Where he was classmates and friends with Martin Scorsese. Later becoming a successful restaurateur.
Before choosing acting as his life's work, Yorgo devoted his attention to becoming a professional tennis player.
Where he had a stellar high school record.
Going undefeated his final two years.
And later being accepted onto Boston University's Division 1 Team as a "walk on" his freshman year.
Yorgo transfered the following semester and played for New York University.
While at NYU, Yorgo took an elective acting class. His professor, also a former tennis standout, said he had to make a choice of which discipline he would focus on.
Tennis or Acting.
You can't serve two Masters.
Yorgo chose to focus on becoming a professional actor.
Yorgo inquired on what was necessary to become accepted and enrolled in NYU's prestigious Tisch School Of The Arts.
Yorgo found out that there were final auditions coming up within the week .
For the final spot of the spring semester.
A one minute monologue would need to be performed in front of the Dean of The Tisch School Of The Arts and the governing board members.
One Spot Left.
A One Minute Monologue.
Yorgo auditioned for the final spot with a self authored monologue he wrote on the brown paper bag of the roast beef sandwich he was eating while sitting on the steps of The Metropolitan Museum Of Art as he was waiting for friends to go out for the evening.
Yorgo earned the the final spot.
Yorgo was accepted personally by the Dean of The Tisch School Of The Arts for his high score in acting, and as bonus, his creative writing.
After completing the spring semester, and receiving a 4.0 (straight A's) in all of his theater classes, Yorgo informed the Dean that he would be leaving Tisch to pursue a professional acting career full time.
While attending Tisch, students were forbidden to audition and work in professional productions.
Yorgo was 19 years old.
Yorgo studied privately for the next three years.
First with Elaine Aiken. (The Actor's Conservatory)
Ms. Aiken was a member of The Actor's Studio. One of the Actor's Studio's Audition Panel. And one of The Actor's Studios Directors.
Ms. Aiken was not only a member of The Actor's Studio, but also a protege of Lee Strasberg.
Ms. Aiken was one of the few people Lee Strasberg considered able to carry on his work as a teacher.
Early on in studying with Ms. Aiken, she said to Yorgo that he reminded her of "Jimmy".
When Yorgo asked "Jimmy who?".
Ms. Aiken, in her trademark wry flat delivery, said "Dean. James Dean."
To get a broader knowledge of other acting methods, Yorgo studied with two other mentors in New York.
Greg Zittel of Sanford Meisner's The Neighborhood Playhouse.
And quintessential New York Actor -
David Proval.
Mr. Proval Starred as Tony Devienazo in Martin Scorsese's groundbreaking and historically significant "Mean Streets" with Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel.
And later in Mr. Proval's career as Richie Aprile for 8 Seasons of the "Soprano's".
For the next three years, Yorgo studied his craft consistently and intensely, while supporting himself teaching tennis at some of the finest tennis clubs in New York City.
The Midtown Tennis Club, The Wall Street Racquet Club and The East River Tennis Club.
After these three years, and watching his close friends star on Broadway and feature films, Yorgo felt it was time to seek professional representation, begin auditioning and start making a living as an actor.
Yorgo was 21 years old.
After countless mail-in submissions to all the New York Talent Agencies, Yorgo spotted an article in Backstage about the agent of his closest friend and Broadway star Marc Riffon (Neil Simon's Trilogy - Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues and Broadway Bound) having an "open cattle call" for her new management company.
Yorgo called the agent's office and spoke to the receptionist, telling him that he was a "hip pocketed" client through their client and his "brother from another mother", Marc Riffon, and what did he need to do to audition for the new management company.
The receptionist gave the date of the two day weekend cattle call, said have a one minute monologue prepared and show up at the stated address.
It was a 'True Cattle Call". Hundreds of actors jamming the street, building and waiting room of the audition address.
When it was Yorgo's turn to audition, there were only two women sitting behind a table in an empty studio space.
One was the agent.
The other, a mystery woman, who didn't speak.
The agent asked Yorgo what monologue he prepared.
A piece from "Danny In The Deep Blue Sea" by John Patrick Shanley.
Yorgo began his audition.
After 15 seconds, the mystery woman stopped the audition.
"You're trained for theater, correct?" The mystery woman asked.
"Yes." Yorgo answered.
Mystery Woman - "Pull your chair closer. No need to project. I'm auditioning for film actors. Talk to me. Look me in the eyes. The eyes are the window of the soul."
Yorgo began his monologue again.
Looking the mystery woman in the eyes. The piece became more intimate. Grounded. Real.
After the audition, both women said "thank you", and Yorgo left.
A few days later, by serendipity and luck, Yorgo received a phone call from one of his Mother's dance friends.
Asking if Yorgo recently auditioned for a talent manager.
Yorgo said "Yes" and asked how did she know.
She said the mystery woman was one of her closest friends and wanted to speak to Yorgo.
She gave Yorgo a number to call.
Yorgo called the number.
Turns out, the mystery woman and the agent auditioned over 1,500 actors seeking representation over the two day cattle call.
The agent chose "plastic soap opera types" and passed on Yorgo.
The mystery woman only wanted to represent Yorgo out of the 1,500+ who auditioned.
The mystery woman - Marie Pastor.
Ms. Pastor was known throughout the film industry as having "The Eye" to spot real talent.
And for being
An Idol Maker.
Two of Ms. Pastor's most notable discoveries were : Fisher Stevens who went on to have a prolific acting and directing career. Winning an Academy Award for "The Cove".
The Other..
Ralph Macchio, who teamed with Ms. Pastor to star in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders".
And later, becoming the Iconic Lead Character Daniel LaRusso in "The Karate Kid" Film Franchise.
Ms. Pastor had a simple sales pitch :
1. We're Going To Hollywood.
2. I'm Going To Make You A Star.
3. We're Going To Win The Academy Award.
Simple.
To The Point.
Within the first week of landing in Los Angeles :
1. Yorgo had a Top Agent (Bruce Tufeld).
2. And was testing for a Lead role in a sitcom pilot by the creators of the Michael J. Fox star making vehicle " Family Ties".
Yorgo's competition - George Clooney.
The creators of the show wanted Yorgo.
The Studio, feeling Yorgo was too "new & green" at the time, chose Clooney.
It was Yorgo's first full week in Los Angeles.
There would be more meetings.
After two months of being on the "Hollywood Casting Circuit", Yorgo was getting a lot of great feedback.
Fred Roos (Casting Director / Producer for Coppola's Zoetrope Studios)
"Yorgo Constantine is Uniquely Interesting".
Aaron Spelling (Mega TV Producer : "Charlie's Angels", "Beverly Hills 90210")
"Yorgo is a Wonderful and Fine Actor".
But, after two months of auditioning for the starring role in film and tv projects, Yorgo realized that the producers and the studios, would prefer to bank on a known (even less talented) actor than an unknown (more talented) actor, to star in their productions.
Until, one day, Yorgo decided to take more responsibility for how Hollywood should see and cast him.
Like writing his own monologue to audition for NYU's Tisch School Of The Arts a few years earlier.
Yorgo had an audition coming up to star opposite (near future James Bond) Pierce Brosnan in Universal Studios / USA Network Movie of The Week "Murder 101".
Directed and Co-Written by future Academy Award Winner Bill Condon.
Upon reading the script for "Murder 101", Yorgo didn't feel he fit the role of the nerdy bookworm student who helps Brosnan's murder mystery writing professor solve a string of murders framing Brosnan as the killer.
Yorgo saw another role in the script.
A smaller, but better fit.
A "Yorgo Constantine Type".
The role was one of the other students in Brosnan's murder mystery writing class.
Character Description :
Jon Steinmetz (Late teens, early 20's)
An Edgy Young Jack Kerouac.
Upon arriving at Universal Studios to audition for Mike Fenton Casting (Mike Fenton, Judy Taylor, Allison Cowitt), Yorgo asked casting if he could read for the smaller part.
Casting exclaimed "But Why!? You're reading for the co-lead opposite Pierce".
Yorgo, simply, quietly, stated
"Do you buy me as a nerdy bookworm.
Or a young Jack Kerouac."
Casting took a moment to really look at Yorgo.
And with a smile, matter-of-factly said
"A young Jack Kerouac".
There was one more audition.
A callback with Casting, Director Condon, The Producers, The Network and The Studio.
The callback was held in one of Universal Studios "Black Towers".
Yorgo auditioned.
Yorgo booked his FIRST Professional Acting Job.
Within Two Months of Arriving In Los Angeles.
And Earning The Coveted SAG Card.
On Yorgo's first day on the set of "Murder 101", Director Condon asked Ms. Pastor if this really was Yorgo Constantine's first day ever on a professional film set.
When Ms. Pastor affirmed his question with a "Yes"
Director Condon laughed, shook his head in slight bewilderment and said
"I've never seen anything like this. It looks like Yorgo spent his whole life on a film set.".
The following few years found Yorgo acting and starring in popular tv shows ("Columbo" with Peter Falk) and with future Academy Award Nominated Actors (Sally Kirkland).
Ms. Kirkland told Yorgo he reminded her of a young "Bobby".
Yorgo "Bobby Who?"
Ms. Kirkland "De Niro. Bob De Niro."
After these few, life changing years, Yorgo and Ms. Pastor ended their professional relationship due to personal reasons.
This was very hard on Yorgo, because he knew in this "Business of Sharks", to have someone as respected as Ms. Pastor in your corner as your "Point Person", didn't come often. Mostly never.
Over the past 30+ years
Yorgo has had the great fortune of starring in
Blockbuster Films (Live Free Or Die Hard, Fast Five)
Respected Indie Films (Stand-Up Guys Dir. Fisher Stevens) with Academy Award Winners & Icons Al Pacino and Christopher Walken.
And Popular Hit T.V. Shows (Madame Secretary, 24, Beverly Hills 90210)
Yorgo Constantine Wrote and is Starring in RUSSIAN HITMAN (2025)
Yorgo was born in New York City. He grew up in Tribeca. He comes from an Artistic Family. His Mother was a ballerina and part time dance choreographer. His Sister was a singer, song writer, actress and artist. His Father, an immigrant from Athens, Greece, studied film and directing at New York University. Where he was classmates and friends with Martin Scorsese. Later becoming a successful restaurateur.
Before choosing acting as his life's work, Yorgo devoted his attention to becoming a professional tennis player.
Where he had a stellar high school record.
Going undefeated his final two years.
And later being accepted onto Boston University's Division 1 Team as a "walk on" his freshman year.
Yorgo transfered the following semester and played for New York University.
While at NYU, Yorgo took an elective acting class. His professor, also a former tennis standout, said he had to make a choice of which discipline he would focus on.
Tennis or Acting.
You can't serve two Masters.
Yorgo chose to focus on becoming a professional actor.
Yorgo inquired on what was necessary to become accepted and enrolled in NYU's prestigious Tisch School Of The Arts.
Yorgo found out that there were final auditions coming up within the week .
For the final spot of the spring semester.
A one minute monologue would need to be performed in front of the Dean of The Tisch School Of The Arts and the governing board members.
One Spot Left.
A One Minute Monologue.
Yorgo auditioned for the final spot with a self authored monologue he wrote on the brown paper bag of the roast beef sandwich he was eating while sitting on the steps of The Metropolitan Museum Of Art as he was waiting for friends to go out for the evening.
Yorgo earned the the final spot.
Yorgo was accepted personally by the Dean of The Tisch School Of The Arts for his high score in acting, and as bonus, his creative writing.
After completing the spring semester, and receiving a 4.0 (straight A's) in all of his theater classes, Yorgo informed the Dean that he would be leaving Tisch to pursue a professional acting career full time.
While attending Tisch, students were forbidden to audition and work in professional productions.
Yorgo was 19 years old.
Yorgo studied privately for the next three years.
First with Elaine Aiken. (The Actor's Conservatory)
Ms. Aiken was a member of The Actor's Studio. One of the Actor's Studio's Audition Panel. And one of The Actor's Studios Directors.
Ms. Aiken was not only a member of The Actor's Studio, but also a protege of Lee Strasberg.
Ms. Aiken was one of the few people Lee Strasberg considered able to carry on his work as a teacher.
Early on in studying with Ms. Aiken, she said to Yorgo that he reminded her of "Jimmy".
When Yorgo asked "Jimmy who?".
Ms. Aiken, in her trademark wry flat delivery, said "Dean. James Dean."
To get a broader knowledge of other acting methods, Yorgo studied with two other mentors in New York.
Greg Zittel of Sanford Meisner's The Neighborhood Playhouse.
And quintessential New York Actor -
David Proval.
Mr. Proval Starred as Tony Devienazo in Martin Scorsese's groundbreaking and historically significant "Mean Streets" with Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel.
And later in Mr. Proval's career as Richie Aprile for 8 Seasons of the "Soprano's".
For the next three years, Yorgo studied his craft consistently and intensely, while supporting himself teaching tennis at some of the finest tennis clubs in New York City.
The Midtown Tennis Club, The Wall Street Racquet Club and The East River Tennis Club.
After these three years, and watching his close friends star on Broadway and feature films, Yorgo felt it was time to seek professional representation, begin auditioning and start making a living as an actor.
Yorgo was 21 years old.
After countless mail-in submissions to all the New York Talent Agencies, Yorgo spotted an article in Backstage about the agent of his closest friend and Broadway star Marc Riffon (Neil Simon's Trilogy - Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues and Broadway Bound) having an "open cattle call" for her new management company.
Yorgo called the agent's office and spoke to the receptionist, telling him that he was a "hip pocketed" client through their client and his "brother from another mother", Marc Riffon, and what did he need to do to audition for the new management company.
The receptionist gave the date of the two day weekend cattle call, said have a one minute monologue prepared and show up at the stated address.
It was a 'True Cattle Call". Hundreds of actors jamming the street, building and waiting room of the audition address.
When it was Yorgo's turn to audition, there were only two women sitting behind a table in an empty studio space.
One was the agent.
The other, a mystery woman, who didn't speak.
The agent asked Yorgo what monologue he prepared.
A piece from "Danny In The Deep Blue Sea" by John Patrick Shanley.
Yorgo began his audition.
After 15 seconds, the mystery woman stopped the audition.
"You're trained for theater, correct?" The mystery woman asked.
"Yes." Yorgo answered.
Mystery Woman - "Pull your chair closer. No need to project. I'm auditioning for film actors. Talk to me. Look me in the eyes. The eyes are the window of the soul."
Yorgo began his monologue again.
Looking the mystery woman in the eyes. The piece became more intimate. Grounded. Real.
After the audition, both women said "thank you", and Yorgo left.
A few days later, by serendipity and luck, Yorgo received a phone call from one of his Mother's dance friends.
Asking if Yorgo recently auditioned for a talent manager.
Yorgo said "Yes" and asked how did she know.
She said the mystery woman was one of her closest friends and wanted to speak to Yorgo.
She gave Yorgo a number to call.
Yorgo called the number.
Turns out, the mystery woman and the agent auditioned over 1,500 actors seeking representation over the two day cattle call.
The agent chose "plastic soap opera types" and passed on Yorgo.
The mystery woman only wanted to represent Yorgo out of the 1,500+ who auditioned.
The mystery woman - Marie Pastor.
Ms. Pastor was known throughout the film industry as having "The Eye" to spot real talent.
And for being
An Idol Maker.
Two of Ms. Pastor's most notable discoveries were : Fisher Stevens who went on to have a prolific acting and directing career. Winning an Academy Award for "The Cove".
The Other..
Ralph Macchio, who teamed with Ms. Pastor to star in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders".
And later, becoming the Iconic Lead Character Daniel LaRusso in "The Karate Kid" Film Franchise.
Ms. Pastor had a simple sales pitch :
1. We're Going To Hollywood.
2. I'm Going To Make You A Star.
3. We're Going To Win The Academy Award.
Simple.
To The Point.
Within the first week of landing in Los Angeles :
1. Yorgo had a Top Agent (Bruce Tufeld).
2. And was testing for a Lead role in a sitcom pilot by the creators of the Michael J. Fox star making vehicle " Family Ties".
Yorgo's competition - George Clooney.
The creators of the show wanted Yorgo.
The Studio, feeling Yorgo was too "new & green" at the time, chose Clooney.
It was Yorgo's first full week in Los Angeles.
There would be more meetings.
After two months of being on the "Hollywood Casting Circuit", Yorgo was getting a lot of great feedback.
Fred Roos (Casting Director / Producer for Coppola's Zoetrope Studios)
"Yorgo Constantine is Uniquely Interesting".
Aaron Spelling (Mega TV Producer : "Charlie's Angels", "Beverly Hills 90210")
"Yorgo is a Wonderful and Fine Actor".
But, after two months of auditioning for the starring role in film and tv projects, Yorgo realized that the producers and the studios, would prefer to bank on a known (even less talented) actor than an unknown (more talented) actor, to star in their productions.
Until, one day, Yorgo decided to take more responsibility for how Hollywood should see and cast him.
Like writing his own monologue to audition for NYU's Tisch School Of The Arts a few years earlier.
Yorgo had an audition coming up to star opposite (near future James Bond) Pierce Brosnan in Universal Studios / USA Network Movie of The Week "Murder 101".
Directed and Co-Written by future Academy Award Winner Bill Condon.
Upon reading the script for "Murder 101", Yorgo didn't feel he fit the role of the nerdy bookworm student who helps Brosnan's murder mystery writing professor solve a string of murders framing Brosnan as the killer.
Yorgo saw another role in the script.
A smaller, but better fit.
A "Yorgo Constantine Type".
The role was one of the other students in Brosnan's murder mystery writing class.
Character Description :
Jon Steinmetz (Late teens, early 20's)
An Edgy Young Jack Kerouac.
Upon arriving at Universal Studios to audition for Mike Fenton Casting (Mike Fenton, Judy Taylor, Allison Cowitt), Yorgo asked casting if he could read for the smaller part.
Casting exclaimed "But Why!? You're reading for the co-lead opposite Pierce".
Yorgo, simply, quietly, stated
"Do you buy me as a nerdy bookworm.
Or a young Jack Kerouac."
Casting took a moment to really look at Yorgo.
And with a smile, matter-of-factly said
"A young Jack Kerouac".
There was one more audition.
A callback with Casting, Director Condon, The Producers, The Network and The Studio.
The callback was held in one of Universal Studios "Black Towers".
Yorgo auditioned.
Yorgo booked his FIRST Professional Acting Job.
Within Two Months of Arriving In Los Angeles.
And Earning The Coveted SAG Card.
On Yorgo's first day on the set of "Murder 101", Director Condon asked Ms. Pastor if this really was Yorgo Constantine's first day ever on a professional film set.
When Ms. Pastor affirmed his question with a "Yes"
Director Condon laughed, shook his head in slight bewilderment and said
"I've never seen anything like this. It looks like Yorgo spent his whole life on a film set.".
The following few years found Yorgo acting and starring in popular tv shows ("Columbo" with Peter Falk) and with future Academy Award Nominated Actors (Sally Kirkland).
Ms. Kirkland told Yorgo he reminded her of a young "Bobby".
Yorgo "Bobby Who?"
Ms. Kirkland "De Niro. Bob De Niro."
After these few, life changing years, Yorgo and Ms. Pastor ended their professional relationship due to personal reasons.
This was very hard on Yorgo, because he knew in this "Business of Sharks", to have someone as respected as Ms. Pastor in your corner as your "Point Person", didn't come often. Mostly never.
Over the past 30+ years
Yorgo has had the great fortune of starring in
Blockbuster Films (Live Free Or Die Hard, Fast Five)
Respected Indie Films (Stand-Up Guys Dir. Fisher Stevens) with Academy Award Winners & Icons Al Pacino and Christopher Walken.
And Popular Hit T.V. Shows (Madame Secretary, 24, Beverly Hills 90210)
Yorgo Constantine Wrote and is Starring in RUSSIAN HITMAN (2025)
Learn more at IMDbPro
