How Jackie Gleason Saved The Life Of New Comedy Movie CHARLIE BOY Star Greg Kritikos

(MENAFN- GetNews) The legend of Jackie Gleason's strength, endurance and brash visual and verbal comedy instilled in CHARLIE BOY star Greg Kritikos the hope in his heart needed to fuel him to overcome a childhood of extreme poverty, dysfunction and violence to become a comedy star himself. #CharlieBoy #SomeBadGuysBecomeGoodGuys #GregKritikos
ABOVE: New comedy film CHARLIE BOY star Greg Kritikos gives credit for his newfound success to the late great Jackie Gleason for being a beacon of hope on TV who helped Kritikos survive a harrowing childhood through his extended TV family on THE HONEYMOONERS.

BELOW: Charlie (Greg Kritikos), Shakes (Dave Morrissey Jr.) and Tommy G. (Annunziato Carbone) devise a scheme to help Tommy with his debt to the mob in the upcoming comedyCHARLIE BOY.

How does a boy schooled in the piranha bowl of Astoria street gangs grow into a redeemed and respected top standup comic and human being? New York comedian Greg Kritikos is showing the world how with his leading performance in the upcoming comedy movie CHARLIE BOY.

Timothy Hines' reflects on his introduction to Greg Kritikos, "Before I signed on to direct CHARLIE BOYI Googled Greg Kritikos, the co-writer and intended star of CHARLIE BOY. With the very first video I realized I had seen Greg's work and clips of his stand up act. He has great talent. Then to walk down the streets of Astoria Queens with Greg, and have person after person come up and thank him for helping them out, thank him for helping them to get sober, for helping them find peace, for helping them to start living again, I realized Greg is this amazing personality. The real deal and inspiration behind CHARLIE BOY. It was such a pleasure to direct him. There was an ease between us. Like his hero Jackie Gleason, Greg's acting style isnatural; his screen performance is understated and authentic; he is genuine and has the heart of a hero."

CHARLIE BOYproducer Susan Goforth adds, "Greg is more than the sum of his parts. When he's on screen you can't take your eyes off of him. Under that tough guy, Greg exudes an honesty like the greats Gary Cooper, James Cagney and Jackie Gleason. And it doesn't hurt that in real life Greg is always funny and charitable, saving anyone in need who is willing to accept his help."

Greg Kritikos was always destined to be a beloved comedic movie star. This gritty, street-wise, reformed gangster has been compared to Jackie Gleason for his heart and appeal. He is frequently sought after to headline New York City's biggest and most legendary comedy clubs, including Gotham, Caroline's and Dangerfield's. And now he is the starring role in the feature comedy CHARLIE BOY, which Kritikos co-wrote and which also features Kelly Le Brock as Donna and Burt Young as Luca.

Since he was a tiny kid folks have commented on just how witty, insightful and funny Greg naturally was. A born entertainer, Kritikos' talent and heart were put on hold as the brutality and tragedies of life led him to guns, gangs, drugs and prison before he found recovery and began re-lighting his life. Throughout his journey he had the relatable talents of Jackie Gleason as his beacon of hope.

Kritikos explains, 'Since childhood watching Jackie Gleason and THE HONEYMOONERSbrought me peace, joy, and laughter at a time when I so much needed it. He is and always will be my true idol. I'm so grateful that people see him in me, or I remind them of him through my facial expressions. To me that's priceless.

'All throughout; through my scary childhood through my personal darkness to now, I never stopped dreaming and believing that one day I can make my dreams come to life, said Kritikos, "My journey began in 2011. I had to go through darkness first so I could see the light. The reason I wrote CHARLIE BOYis because I wanted everyone to know that they can accomplish anything that their heart desires. All you need is to believe. As long as you have passion and the willingness you can make everything happen. We all have a plan but our higher power has a plan for us! God has blessed me with some amazing people around me. I couldn't do this alone. I'm so happy and grateful for the people who believe in me and motivate me. Nothing happens by mistake.

Executive producer Dominick Martini agrees with Goforth, "Greg Kritikos is an encouraging, inspirational person. He's always looking for opportunities to inspire other people so, it was wonderful to incorporate this most special quality of Greg's into the character of Charlie Boy. We plan for CHARLIE BOYviewers to come away from the film inspired; inspired that some bad guys become good guys; inspired to reach for the good and seize the impossible. That and also change their underpants from laughing so hard."

FollowCHARLIE BOYat http://www.twitter.com/CharlieBoyMovie

Media Contact
Company Name: School Of Old Media Entertainment
Contact Person: Susan Goforth
Email: Send Email
Phone: 310-480-0837
Country: United States
Website: www.charlieboymovie.com

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