Cover Story - Victor Rasuk
American Dreamin'He first captured our attention as an under sized Casanova in the critically-acclaimed coming-of-aged comedy, Raising Victor Vargas. He hustled his way from Avenue D to Cannes, France. Today, the skilled thespain captivates audiences nationwide as the ambitious Cam Calderon on HBO's new hit series How To Make It In America. And just as the characters he protrays on screen, Victor Rasuk won't stop until he reachers the top. Here's why...
On a hot summer day in Manhattan, a 14-year old Victor Rasuk literally stumbled upon an acting career on the streets of New York City's Lower East Side. He approached a group of NYU students, including Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist director Peter Sollet, and asked if he could be in the film they were shooting in Thompson Square Park. Floored by his personality and already rugged style, the young filmmakers tapped the wide-eyed teen to appear in several of their short films. Leaning over a quiet table at The Bowery Hotel's Gemma restaurant for lunch --during this afternoon in March, in the NOHO section of Manhattan-- Rasuk, who stars as Cam Calderon on the HBO hit series How to Make It In America, recalls an early life more destine for infamy than acclaim.
Features
Feature Story - Ruben Diaz Jr., A Bronx Tale
A Native of The Bronx, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Looks to Rebuild the once Revered Section of New York City one block at a time.It was Howard Cosell who famously called out to the world, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Bronx is burning," during the 1977 New York Yankees World Series Game. This quote backed by the shockingly vivid imagery of burning tenements is as deeply ingrained in the psyche of Middle America as the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And much the same as the latter events, the Bronx's untimely death was so visually documented that removing those images from the mind state of so many is as near unattainable a goal as bringing someone back from the grave.
Departments
Almost Famous - Shannon Kane
For two years, Shannon Kane played a cop on All My Children. Thanks to Brooklyn's Finest she's getting down and dirty
Los Insiders - Mimi Lesseos
Champion Martial Artists' Mimi Lesseos is the Most Admired Stuntwoman in Hollywood. From sparring a Few Rounds with Clinton Eastwood to going Against The Gangs of New York this Latina is The Best Action Hero.
On The Move - Jeremy Ray Valdez
In Hollywood, every actor searches for that one role that will leave an indelible mark and define, him or her, as a respected thespian. For Jeremy Ray Valdez, his defining moment came as the homosexual son, Jess Rivera, of Benjamin Bratt in the critically acclaimed film, La Mission.
Sofrito
Cine - The Backup-Plan
Fall in love. Get married. Have a baby. Well, not necessarily in that order. The Back-up Plan, starring Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin is a romantic comedy that explores dating, love, marriage and family -- but in reverse.
iTemas - Debi Nova
"Luna Nueva (New Moon) represents the beginning of a month or a spiritual cycle," says newcomer Debi Nova. "To me that moment came when I said, 'I'm going to take a chance on myself and stop doing all these amazing collaborations and really focus on my career.' That felt like a new cycle... like a rebirth!"
Urban Legends - Chita Rivera
Living a Divas Life: Chita Rivera, the Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress has spent more than 50 years in the theatre. Recognized as one of the original divas of Broadway, the two-time Tony Award winner (Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Rink) has starred in such musicals as Bye Bye Birdie and Chicago.
