BACKGROUND
Lizzi grew up in upstate New York. In his high school senior year, while sitting in the library, wondering what the hell he was going to do with his life, a couple of theatre students asked if he would like to be in the senior play. He said sure, why not. The play was Lil Abner and he had 4 lines. Opening night, he said his 4 lines and the audience broke out in laughter which, mercifully, they were supposed to. At that moment, Lizzi knew that this is what he wanted to do with his life. He attended Onondaga Community College where he received his associate degree in Drama. He began acting in local theaters before receiving a letter from Uncle Sam requesting his presence in the United States Army. After completing his military service, Lizzi moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Lizzi went back to school and earned his bachelor's degree in Theatre from California State University at Northridge. He had three goals as a professional actor. They were to be a working actor which was a successful endeavor, to appear on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (he had 14 guest appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno) and to win an Academy Award (he co-starred in a film short that won an Oscar).
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
In the film Trevor, directed by Peggy Rajski, Lizzi co-starred as Trevor’s Dad. This was the first film to address the issues and concerns of LGBTQ youth. Trevor won an Academy Award® for Best Short film. On Seinfeld (NBC) Lizzi guest starred as the Other Guy in the episode The Doll. He played the famous third tenor whose name Jerry and Elaine could never remember, yet Elaine wanted an autograph poster from him for her boyfriend, the “Maestro”. On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) he guest starred as the Robert Shapiro character in all the O.J. Simpson trial comedy skits. Early in his career, Lizzi worked as a stand-in/photo double for Robert Blake in the NBC TV series Joe Dancer and for Charles Bronson in Death Wish II and was a leg double for Robert DeNiro in The Fan. His many stage credits include "Steambath" with Jamie Lee Curtis, "Rumors", "A Streetcar Named Desire", "I'll Be Back Before Midnight", "Play It Again, Sam" and "South Pacific". Some of Lizzi's commercials include The Big East, Time Warner, Heluva Good Cheese and Kinney Drugs.
SERVICE, ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
Certificate of Appreciation - Good News, Good Kids - New York State Senate for directing Respect & Responsibility skit for a school district. Certificate of Appreciation - Summer Youth Opportunity Program - United States Army for Army youth counselor and producing and directing variety/talent shows for young people from the local communities. He is also a St. Baldrick's participant and fundraiser, SEIU Local 200 Chairperson (ret.), awarded the Joseph A. Witowski Outstanding Teacher Award in 2019 and is a 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"