David Paladino

David Paladino's unique life story was featured on Ira Glass's radio show, 'This American Life.' Born in Chicago, Illinois, Paladino's family moved to Los Angeles when he was 12. He went on to play football and graduated from the University of San Diego with a business degree. Shortly after graduating, Paladino started a job in Los Angeles doing accounting while starting to pursue his lifelong dream and love for acting. He later left his day job to pursue acting full-time.

Paladino has won and been nominated for several awards as an actor, playwright, and producer. Among some of his achievements is winning an Ovation Award (Los Angeles's Tony Award) as Best Lead Actor for his role in Athol Fugard's 'The Island'. Paladino has also received an NAACP Nomination and an LA Weekly Award for his stage work.