This actor has appeared in over 50 films as a background performer, and yet is not famous. That is, as of yet. But he is not really looking for fame, but he’s ready to achieve notoriety if God should open that door.
Joseph Anthony Camerieri is a local actor and loves to share his top-eight-best extra roles was Deep Space Nine because he is huge Trekkie, The Nanny, The Others Guys, The Bounty Hunter, and The Hundred Lives of BlackJack Savage, Law & Order, CSI and Lethal Weapon II in which Joseph served as Mel Gibson’s bodyguard for about five minutes. Mr. Camerieri loves telling that story.
Today, Joseph Is hoping to break free from 20 years of extra work to make the big time by landing a speaking role in Mel Gibson’s sequel to the Passion of The Christ. Joseph knows the business pretty well. He worked for three solid years for Stephen J. Cannell, Producer and writer of these top 1980’s hit shows: The A-Team, 21 Jump Street, Hunter, and Renegade.
Joseph gained his union SAG-AFTRA card by speaking three lines of dialogue in a Disney Television show back in 1992. There he played thug number two. Mr. Camerieri laughs at that title.
Joe’s mental process was this: “I originally wanted to become a better director, so in order to direct actors I became one of them. I studied with a few teachers for about a solid two years total.”
Joseph recently suffered a major car collision. He was hit head-on, flew for 20 feet in the air, damaged his scooter and broke his leg. Yes, he did wear his helmet. For now, Camerieri has a little walking gait limp, but it will probably fit the role.
The big question is, will Mel Gibson give Mr. Camerieri his big break? This reporter is cheering him on because Mr. Camerieri is a very personable guy and the ‘David’ from the famous David and Goliath story – the underdog. Joseph loves being in front of the camera, but in this case, he loves the Passion of The Christ movie franchise, it simply seems like a calling claims Joseph. As a Christian, Joseph said he sincerely prayed on it too.
“I grew a beard to be and studied the first movie closely, Camerieri said. Along with his facial features, he decided he would make a great Hebrew Jew, possibly either playing a Pharisee or Sadducees’ priest.
Well, the question still stands to Mel Gibson: Will he cast Joseph Anthony Camerieri in the sequel? He looks the part! There’s no doubt in this reporter’s eye.
