Bio:

I’m Caesar Samayoa and I live to inspire life, love, excitement, power and creativity. I have performed for presidents, moms and dads, at Carnegie Hall, on Broadway and in tiny store fronts on the lower East Side.

I’m an explorer at heart. So, I’m grateful that acting has taken me to Europe, Asia and Latin America, but I never know where I’m going to be next. Sounds crazy right? That’s the life of being an actor, you never know when the next gig is coming and it’s always a surprise.

I’ve understudied for Pee Wee Herman, chased nuns in Sister Act, had cocktails with the AbFab ladies and worked with icons including Julie Andrews, Whoopi Goldberg and Earth Wind and Fire.

My first professional gig in New York was being one of four actors playing all of Shakespeare’s R&J off Broadway. One night, as I exited the stage door an audience member grabbed my arm and explained, “You made me remember what it was like to fall in love for the very first time!” That was worth a Lucille Lortel award!

That’s the impact I want to have on everyone who sees my work. That extraordinary connection only shared by an actor and his audience. It inspires lives. Come explore yours.

 

Hometown:

Emerson NJ, by way of Palisades Park NJ, by way of Fort Lee NJ, by way of Guatemala City, Guatemala!!

Nickname(s):

Way back in the day my Dad nicknamed me Shepito (don't ask..), my little sister and nephew Nick have decided to continue this embarrassing tradition.  They also shorten it to Shep, and Sheps.  I try to ignore them but it makes me smile.  Most everyone else shortens my name to Caes - which I love.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less:

Explorer, Story-teller, Creator loving NYC!

Favorite Quote:

"The more fun you have, the more successful you are!!"

Childhood hero?

Walt Disney - I had an obsession with becoming either an animator or a Disney Imagineer.  I'd go to the theme parks and as much as the rides were fun, I was REALLY interested in the whole process that it took to create them, and what kind of imagination came up with all of it.

I have a particularly embarrassing story that my Mom still LOVES to tell.  It deals with 6 year old me getting lost in Disneyworld.  My parents of course panicked and had security searching for me.  They found me at the front of the park inquiring about a job.

Best advice from your parents that is still with you today?

If you want a true education travel the world.  Open your mind and take in everything that you can. People will always connect.

What do you know now that you wish you knew 5 years ago?

That life and true love can really be that simple.

Who do you consider to be your greatest artistic influences?

I guess the easiest way for me to answer is by telling you performers that have changed me through their work.  Daniel Day Lewis, Janet Mcteer, Cherry Jones, Viola Davis, Meryll Streep, Dustin Hoffman

What is the most embarrassing song or album on your ipod?

Oh… I have many, many an embarrassing song but "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Album" leaves a particularly dark smudge on my character…

What is one of your all-time favorite TV shows and why?

The Muppet Show - I loved everything about it.  Especially Sam the Eagle and Statler and Waldorf.  I still remember watching The Muppet Show with my parents on Tuesday nights.  And the Carol Burnett Show!

Favorite movies?

Growing up it was (and still is) The Goonies.  If we are talking serious movies, I love In the Name of the Father and Kramer Vs. Kramer.

If you weren't an Actor, what might you be doing?

Something with my love for product development and design, or creating and designing unique experiences in travel.  And anything that has to do with cooking some good eats!

Biggest strength besides singing or unusual talent?

Cooking, cooking and more cooking…. and having wine with whatever I make.

Beverage of choice?

For everyday: Coffee.  For special days: Strawberry Malted Shake.

Favorite late night snack(s)?

Pizza from Joe's Pizza in my neighborhood (seriously the best slice in NYC).

Anything else you'd like to share about yourself?

I am sure that my Chihuahua has an alternate life while I am away from my apartment.