About Lizzi
From a chance four-line role in his high school production of *Li’l Abner* to co-starring in an Oscar-winning film short, Lizzi’s journey has been fueled by curiosity, grit, and an unshakeable love for performance. After earning an Associate degree in Drama from Onondaga Community College, he answered Uncle Sam’s call, served honorably in the U.S. Army, then relocated to Los Angeles to chase his dreams. There, he completed a Bachelor’s in Theatre at California State University, Northridge—and officially launched a career that’s spanned stage, screen, and television.
Career Highlights
• Trevor (dir. Peggy Rajski) — As Trevor’s dad, Lizzi helped bring to life the first film to tackle the challenges of LGBTQ youth, earning a Best Short Film Oscar.
• Seinfeld (NBC) — Memorable guest appearance as “the Other Guy” in “The Doll,” the elusive Third Tenor whose autograph becomes Elaine’s obsession for her boyfriend the Maestro.
• The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) — Beloved for his dead-on Robert Shapiro impressions during the O.J. Simpson trial sketches across 14 guest starring appearances.
• Stand-in & Photo-double — Worked side-by-side with Robert Blake (Joe Dancer), Charles Bronson (Death Wish II), and even as Robert DeNiro’s leg double in The Fan.
• Stage — Lead and supporting roles in "Steambath" (with Jamie Lee Curtis), "Rumors", "A Streetcar Named Desire", "Play It Again, Sam", "South Pacific" and more.
• Commercials — featured in campaigns for The Big East, Time Warner, Heluva Good Cheese, and Kinney Drugs.
Achievements & Community
• co-starred in the Academy Award® winning film short, Trevor (1995)
• Joseph A. Witowski Outstanding Teacher Award (2019)
• Certificates of Appreciation from the NY State Senate and the U.S. Army for youth-mentoring and directing talent shows and skits
• St. Baldrick’s participant/fundraiser and retired Chairperson, SEIU Local 200
• Proud Vietnam Era Veteran
REVIEWS & ARTICLES
I'll Be Back Before Midnight
"... plays his role with professionalism and utter conviction." ~ Alan Raeburn, TEMPO, Los Angeles
"...is hysterical and proves to be a great comedic talent." ~ Lynn Christiansen, THE VALLEY VANTAGE, Los Angeles
"...is more than equal to his physically-demanding role." ~ Ruth E. Maier, GRANADA HILLS NEIGHBOR, Los Angeles
The Supporting Cast
"...is skillful as he protests his friend's observations while in the process of demonstrating their accuracy." ~ Mary Cogswell Baum, SIERRA MADRE NEWS, Los Angeles
"...treads a neat balance of emotionalism and machismo." ~ Frances Baum Nicholson, STAR NEWS, Los Angeles
Rumors
"...makes the most of his comedy skills." ~ Alan Raeburn, TEMPO, Los Angeles
South Pacific
"...as Luther Billis, he really excels." ~ Ruth Maier, GRANADA HILLS NEIGHBOR, Los Angeles
Not Now, Darling
"...delivers charm and fun." ~ Karen Chagi, THE NEWS CHRONICLE, Los Angeles
"...is terrific in a play where the acting is the strongest point of the production." ~ Lynn Christiansen, THE VALLEY VANTAGE, Los Angeles
The Burnt Flower-Bed
"...is excellent...his speech about the value of life is a high point, as is his dignified exit." ~ ~ E.L. Selover, THE DAILY SUNDIAL, Los Angeles
I've Got Your Number
"...his menace gives rise to vigorous physical action, pepping things up." ~ Polly Warfield, DRAMA-LOGUE (Back Stage West), Los Angeles
The Silver Whistle
"...is fun as the con man's outside sidekick." ~ Frances Baum Nicholson, STAR NEWS, Los Angeles
Lie, Cheat and Genuflect
"Jane and I had a wonderful time at 'Lie, Cheat and Genuflect'. You made us very proud." ~ Letter from Billy Van Zandt the playwright and writer for the "Newhart" show.
Jay Leno's Dancing Itos
People Magazine (US)June 26, 1995, Vol. 43, Iss. 25, pg. 108-109, by: Kurt Pitzer, "Court Jesters"