Cranford, NJ — Emilio DiFabio, a seasoned concrete, masonry, and utility contractor from Cranford, New Jersey, has spent much of his life balancing hard work with his commitment to his community. Known for his reliability and dedication, Emilio has always valued the close-knit atmosphere of his hometown. However, in a surprising turn of events, he has recently ventured into a second career in Hollywood, showing that it’s never too late to chase new dreams.

While he’s built a respected reputation in construction,  Emilio’s rise in the entertainment industry has been notable. “I was at a Starbucks in Cranford when a woman came up to me and said I looked like the pizza guy from On Our Own on Prime Video,” Emilio recalls with a smile. “I told her, ‘I am the pizza guy.’ She was so surprised and asked for a photo. Moments like that remind me how much this journey has changed my life, even though I still feel like the same guy from Cranford.”

From Concrete to Camera

Emilio’s entry into acting came by chance. While visiting Miami, he was invited to work as a background actor on Silent Partners. What was initially a small, unspoken role quickly evolved when Emilio was offered lines, leading to his portrayal of Frankie Bats, a character that would define his future in Hollywood. This opportunity opened doors to roles in films such as First Shift, American Trash, and Old Man Jackson.

In First Shift, Emilio plays a hitman, a role that has garnered significant attention across both U.S. and European streaming platforms. There has been speculation about a possible spin-off series for the film, where Emilio could reprise his character alongside actor and mentor Garry Pastore. His swift transition from contractor to actor has been remarkable, but Emilio approaches each step with care, always remaining grounded in his roots.

Guided by Industry Veterans

Emilio’s progress in Hollywood can be attributed, in part, to the mentorship he has received from those with decades of experience. Actor Garry Pastore, a longtime friend and mentor, was one of the first to see potential in Emilio. “Garry told me I had the look and personality for the screen,” Emilio reflects. “At first, I wasn’t sure, but he was right. I’ll always be grateful for his belief in me.”

Emilio’s acting career has provided him the opportunity to work alongside some of Hollywood’s most respected figures. He has had the opportunity to share the screen with actors like Tom Sizemore, Robert LaSardo, Vincent Pastore, Daniel Baldwin, and others. His experience filming American Trash with Sizemore and LaSardo was particularly emotional, as it marked one of the late actor’s final films. “I had one of the last scenes with Tom Sizemore,” Emilio says. “It’s a memory I’ll always treasure.”

In addition to these collaborations, Emilio worked with renowned director Uwe Boll and producer Ari Taub on First Shift, solidifying his place in the industry.

Despite these notable roles, Emilio remains deeply connected to his work as a contractor. “I’m still in the trenches of construction every day,” he shares. “But I take acting just as seriously, constantly honing my craft through classes and listening to the seasoned professionals I work with.”

Cranford: A Growing Filming Hub

Although Emilio’s career has propelled him into the spotlight, he remains deeply connected to his hometown of Cranford. With its rich history and continued growth as a filming hub in New Jersey, the town has increasingly become a destination for major productions. Emilio, who has long admired Cranford’s tight-knit community, sees the growing interest in the entertainment industry there.

Recently, he participated in a special screening of Gotti at the Cranford Theater, alongside figures such as Armand Assante, Garry Pastore, and comedian Theresa Cannistraci Farrell. During the event, they discussed the possibility of Cranford becoming a filming location, leading to speculation that more Hollywood projects could be coming to the area.

When asked about future film projects in Cranford, Emilio playfully remarked, “You’ll have to ask my agent.” This subtle response has led to speculation that more productions could be heading to his hometown, which could be a point of pride for Emilio and his community.

A Strong Partnership with Diana Carter

Emilio credits much of his success to the support and guidance he receives from his agent and manager, Diana Carter of Arykas Talent Management in Los Angeles. “Diana is incredible—she keeps me focused and offers invaluable advice,” he says.

Thanks to Diana’s guidance, Emilio’s IMDb profile is now filled with exciting upcoming projects, including Monster On, The Art of the Craft, Hayride, PTSD, Mr. Blue, and Don’t Look Back. While he remains tight-lipped due to non-disclosure agreements, Emilio can’t hide his excitement about the future. “It’s an incredible ride. I’m grateful to live in Cranford, do what I love, and share these moments with my family and community,” he says.

The Future of Emilio DiFabio

As Emilio continues to balance his contracting career with acting, his journey serves as an inspiration to others. His journey proves that it’s never too late to explore new passions and that hard work, humility, and a bit of luck can lead to incredible opportunities. Whether on a job site or in front of a camera, Emilio DiFabio’s rise to fame shows that success can find you anywhere—even in the most unexpected places.

To follow Emilio’s journey, fans can connect with him on Instagram (@EmilioD1965) and Facebook (Emilio DiFabio). For bookings and inquiries, contact his agent, Diana Carter, at Arykas Talent Management: (747) 389-9801. Don’t forget to explore Emilio’s IMDb profile for more details: Emilio DiFabio

Emilio’s rise in Hollywood serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself—no matter how far success takes you.

Published by Joshua F.