FRANCESCO CURA
When I decided to create a blog about MEN (this one) and had to create a banner that would represent my ideal man, I could not by-pass this beautiful picture of Francesco Cura, the Colombian/Italian decent actor, singer, and former male fashion model who was born in New York City.
In his youth, Francesco spent much of his time traveling between the US and Europe. He grew up performing in plays that his father wrote, directed, and produced; shot a commercial at the age of nine; and also worked in television, playing an elementary student on a variety show.
At the age of 14, he and his family moved to Italy where he enrolled in a well-respected Art Institute. Francesco obtained his degree as an art teacher, graphic designer and a history of art specialist. He then went to Milan to work as a model, but soon realized fashion would not interest him.
In response, he dramatically transformed his appearance through punkish hairstyles, goth clothes, grunge attitudes, etc. Fortunately, this phase was documented in photographs and can be seen on his official website http://www.francescocura.com/.
Passing that time of "exteriorized expression of the superficial self", Francesco made yet another transition into the operatic world. He trained as an opera singer for two years, freeing the inner vocal instrument, which revealed a four-octave range.
After rigorous training, daily sessions, and rehearsals - and hard work as a bartender in a nightclub to pay for voice classes - he decided to move back to New York in November 1998. While living on the Upper East Side he trained at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute for over two years, and then seeked theatrical representation. Francesco stayed busy working in theater productions and independent films. However, his desires to work more in the film media grew stronger, which lead him to decide to move to the West Coast in July 2003.Francesco now calls Los Angeles home and is still having a Ball!!