Michael Cavalieri is an Actor/Writer/Director originally from New York. His Directorial Debut “RITORNATO” which he also stars in was awarded a special grant by the Russo Brothers, the Directors of Avengers: Endgame (the highest grossing film of all time), the National Italian American Foundation and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America.” Ritornato” went on to win many film festivals worldwide and was the only American film selected for the prestigious Taormina Film Festival in 2020.
His follow up film the critically acclaimed documentary “LA PORTA DELL’INFERNO” just returned from an eight city tour passionately moving audiences throughout Sicily starting with its premiere in Piazza Armerina. It made its US premiere in Chicago at Loyola University and then had a special screening at the Calandra Institute and The Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York. The film was presented at the North Park Theatre sponsored by the Italian Cultural Center of Buffalo. Following that, the film went to the University of Rochester as a cultural lesson for the students. “La Porta Dell’Inferno” has been chosen for several special events across the country including San Francisco, San Diego, and recently was selected for a special event screening at the Italian Consulate in Krakow, Poland. Coming up, the film will have its Canadian premiere in Toronto.
As an accomplished actor he made his acting debut starring opposite Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank in Columbia Pictures, “The Next Karate Kid.” Since that debut, he has had supporting roles in numerous features including acclaimed Director Walter Hill’s “Last Man Standing,” starring Bruce Willis and Christopher Walken.
Cavalieri has received critical acclaim for starring roles in many Award-Winning Festival films. Amici magazine reviewed Michael’s performance in “The Streetsweeper” as “a brilliant display of emotional range.”
LA Times Critic Kevin Thomas hailed Michael’s performance in “The Stonecutter” as “outstanding…he has terrific presence and focus. His performance lures us into this increasingly complex and provocative drama.” Don Franken, Director of The Method Film Festival said, “Michael’s performance lights up the screen, fills the screen larger than life. He’s an exciting talent to watch.”
Michael has also Guest Starred on numerous hit T.V. shows including SOPRANO‘S, ER and NYPD BLUE.
He has received many accolades including the title of “Town Ambassador” in several cities in Sicily. But, being the first person to receive an “Honorary Citizenship Award” from Limina, Sicily the town of his Grandfather is the most humbling of all.