Episode 17 – ‘Mad’ About Bryan Batt Part 1

On this episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros chats with actor Bryan Batt about starring in some of the biggest Broadway musicals of the ’80s and 90's including “Cats,” “Sunset Boulevard” and “Starlight Expressed,” playing the role of “Darius” in Paul Rudnick’s groundbreaking comedy "Jeffrey" - both in the N.Y. and L.A. productions, as well as the film adaptation, and how he got the role of “Salvatore Romano,” the closeted art director for the Sterling Cooper Agency on AMC’s critically acclaimed and award-winning drama series, "Mad Men!"  BRYAN BATT Bryan Batt is a native New Orleanian, actor, designer, fundraiser, and civic activist who has won two Screen Actor’s Guild awards for his portrayal of “Salvatore Romano” on AMC’s critically acclaimed, Emmy, Golden Globe, and Peabody award winning dramatic series, "Mad Men."

  Theatrically, Bryan is most proud to have created the role of Darius in both the N.Y. and L.A. productions, as well as the film adaptation, of Paul Rudnick’s ground braking comedy "Jeffrey." Bryan has held Broadway leading roles in productions such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Cats," "Sunset Blvd." and many more.

 In the wake of Katrina, Bryan organized, hosted and/or performed in numerous events and fund raisers both in New York and in New Orleans benefiting Habitat For Humanity, Second Harvest Food Bank, NO-AIDS Task Force, The Contemporary Arts Center, LA-SPCA, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, The Preservation Rescore Center, New Orleans Museum of Art, Friends of City Park, and more.

 In 2003, Bryan and his partner, Tom Cianfichi, opened Hazelnut, a fine gift and home accessories shop (Featured in the NY Times, Town & Country, House Beautiful, In Style, Traditional Home, Elle Decor and more). Through the sales of his signature “New Orleans Toile” and “Pontchartrain Beach designs”, Hazelnut has been able to generously contribute to local charities.

 Honors include 2007 HRC Equality award, OUT Magazine’s Artist of the Year 2007, N.O.Aids Task Force Humanitas award, Big Easy 2008 “Entertainer of the Year”, Backstage Magazine’s Bistro award for best vocalist 2008, the Isidore Newman School Distinguished Alumnus Award 2008-2009, and the 2013 New Orleans Arts Council Community Award.

 In addition, Bryan starred in the films "12 Years a Slave," "Parkland" and "The Last of Robin Hood." Most recently, he was seen in MTV's new horror/mystery series, "Scream," Netflix’s “Tales of the City’ and the hit NBC show “The Blacklist”. On September 28, 2014, Batt married his long-time partner Tom Cianfichi, an event planner. In 2010, Batt published a memoir about his mother entitled “She Ain't Heavy, She's My Mother.” She died in December 2010. In 2011, he published a second book, “Big, Easy, Style,” which focuses on interior design and home furnishings. To purchase Bryan’s memoir go to -  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bryan-Batt/author/B002ZMD5NU?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true To connect with Bryan Batt go to –  https://www.instagram.com/bryan_batt/ Bryan’s Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/bryan.batt.1/ The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ Follow our Facebook Page – HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST Follow our Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/  Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson  - http://camfrierson.com/voice  Music by QubeSounds from Pixabay