Amber Gristak

Four short days after stepping into New York City, Amber Gristak was landed a role as a political supporter in the film "Maid in Manhattan." Audiences everywhere were surprised as they watched the blooper that made the final cut. The scene shows Ralph Fiennes calling Gristak by her real name before she introduces herself. Newspaper reporters back in Gristak's hometown of Zanesville, Ohio were eager to get all the details on the Zanesville native's quick leap into Hollywood. The newspaper sold out on the day Gristak's article appeared. Residents in the city were all gossip but more importantly they were proud to see a Zanesville native on the big screen. Gristak accredits her crash course into the world of film to her work as a stand-in and photo double for Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind directed by Michelle Gondry. Following this experience, Gristak landed a reoccurring spot as a student for two seasons on NBC's popular sitcom, ED. During this time Gristak auditioned and was selected to perform the monologue "My Short Skirt" in Eve Ensler's highly acclaimed Vagina Monologues. Gristak began training her vocals with industry staple Craig Derry. Derry has worked with such household names as Etta James, Mark Anthony, Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blidge, Ashanti, The Backstreet Boys, Kevin Lyttle and More. Gristak spent 2004 as the main host on the IMM Show. Designers including the prestigious Diane Von Furstenberg contributed full racks of clothing for Gristak to pull from. The IMM Show filmed in both New York City and Los Angeles California. Initial broadcast of The IMM Show began on ITV (UK Number). Shortly after this launch the show's broadcast was extended to ITV's sibling stations around Europe and Asia. The IMM Show was later remade in French. Gristak was chosen to be a co-host the Independent Movie Awards. Designer Betsey Johnson jumped on board to dress Gristak for the event. Following the awards, Gristak began working with various casting directors on her auditioning skills at The Actors Connection in New York City. Gristak was then offered the chance to play "Leon's Mistress," a street-talking tough-girl confined in a detention home, in the film "House of D" directed by David Duchovny. Following this Gristak was offered and accepted the role as a "Well Wisher" in the independent film "Hard Rock." Late summer 2005 Gristak was asked back to the Independent Film Awards to be the main Host. Following the event, Gristak was inspired by the ceremony and decided to tune in on her acting skills. She auditioned and was cordially invited to attend the prestigious William Esper Studio. Early 2006 Gristak contributed the poem "Grandma Tell Me Again" to be used in the book "Beyond Memories." The book was released and sold by the Outreach for Breast Health Foundation (OFBH) to raise money to fund mobile mammogram stations and promote the early detection of breast cancer. After the success of the books initial release the OFBH has continued to sell copies of the book at their other events, fundraisers and auctions. Gristak recently released her first compilation book "O.F.O.N: String of Consciousness." The book overviews a journey through the changing perception of a youth made in America!