BACKGROUND

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John Lizzi grew up in upstate New York. During his senior year of high school, while sitting in the library contemplating his future, a couple of theatre students invited him to join the senior play. He said, “Sure, why not.” The show was Li’l Abner, and he had just four lines. On opening night, those lines earned the laughter they were meant to—and in that moment, Lizzi knew he’d found his calling.

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He went on to study Drama at Onondaga Community College, earning his associate degree before performing in local theaters. His artistic journey paused when he received a letter from Uncle Sam to serve in the U.S. Army. After completing his military service, Lizzi relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time, continuing his education at California State University, Northridge, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre.

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Lizzi set three goals for himself as an actor: to become a working professional, to appear on The Tonight Show, and to win an Academy Award. He succeeded on all counts—with a thriving career, 14 guest appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and a co-starring role in the Oscar-winning short film, Trevor.

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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
 

John Lizzi co-starred as Trevor’s dad in Trevor, the Academy Award®–winning short film directed by Peggy Rajski. As one of the first films to spotlight the concerns of LGBTQ youth, Trevor became a landmark piece in cinematic advocacy. On NBC’s Seinfeld, Lizzi guest starred in the episode “The Doll” as the elusive third tenor—whose name Jerry and Elaine couldn’t recall—even as Elaine sought an autographed poster for her boyfriend, the “Maestro.” He also guest starred playing the recurring role of Robert Shapiro in all of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno's comedy skits about the O.J. Simpson trial.

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Earlier in his career, Lizzi worked as a stand-in and photo double for Robert Blake on NBC’s Joe Dancer series, Charles Bronson in Death Wish II, and a leg double and stand-in for Robert DeNiro in The Fan. His stage performances span productions of Steambath (with Jamie Lee Curtis), A Streetcar Named Desire, Rumors, Play It Again, Sam, I'll Be Back Before Midnight, and South Pacific. His commercial appearances include campaigns for The Big East, Time Warner, Heluva Good Cheese, and Kinney Drugs.

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ACHIEVEMENTS
 

Lizzi received a Certificate of Appreciation from the New York State Senate's Good News, Good Kids initiative for directing the “Respect & Responsibility” skit for a local school district. He was also honored by the United States Army’s Summer Youth Opportunity Program for his work as a youth counselor, producing and directing variety and talent shows for young people in surrounding communities.

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Beyond his work in education and outreach, Lizzi is a participant and fundraiser for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a retired Chairperson of SEIU Local 200United, and the recipient of the Joseph A. Witowski Outstanding Teacher Award in 2019. He is also a Vietnam Era Veteran.

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​REVIEWS & ARTICLES

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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

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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

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Rumors

"...makes the most of his comedy skills." ~ Alan Raeburn, TEMPO, Los Angeles

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South Pacific

"...as Luther Billis, he really excels." ~ Ruth Maier, GRANADA HILLS NEIGHBOR, Los Angeles

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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

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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

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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

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The Silver Whistle

"...is fun as the con man's outside sidekick." ~ Frances Baum Nicholson, STAR NEWS, Los Angeles

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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 also writer for the Newhart show (CBS).

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Jay Leno's Dancing Itos

People Magazine (US)June 26, 1995, Vol. 43, Iss. 25, pg. 108-109, by: Kurt Pitzer, "Court Jesters"