Leo Zaza

Leo Zaza is a television, film, and theater actor. He is currently based in Hollywood. Some of his major work includes, "Warfighter" (Dir. Jerry G. Angelo), "Armenia My Love" (Dir. Diana Angelson), "Devil Dogs" (Dir. Laura Cross). "Shakespeare in Love" (Dir. Beth Greatorex). Recently, Leo acted and built sets with the Anacortes Community Theater in Seattle. In 2012, he moved to Hollywood to continue pursuing his acting career. He attended the Conservatory program at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting & Theatre. He also trained with Coach Snyder's Theater Lab and Ivana Chubbuck. In addition, he became a certified Master in Serrada Eskrima stick fighting under the Grandmaster Guru Kali Khan. He started his acting career in New York City by taking several workshops with the New York Film Academy, along with improvisation classes at Magnet Theater. He commuted from New Jersey to drive his own pedicab around the city, while also working at the famous restaurant "Chez Josephine". Previously, he was living in Istanbul where he first dreamed of acting. He studied hotel management and worked in several high-end hotels. He quickly understood the fundamentals of the service industry and worked his way up to a managerial position. Leo served for a required 2-year enlistment in the Turkish Military, excelling in his duty as a private sergeant to a General. Though he was recommended for advancement, he was ready to be back in the private sector. Born Hasan Aslan, his first home was a hamlet near Mount Nemrut in Adiyaman, southeastern Turkey. He worked on his family's farm, and as a shepherd for local villagers. He took daily trips to bring water from the fountain and studied in a one-room schoolhouse. He was brought up with strong family values of the Zaza culture. He knew that he wanted to pursue other opportunities through higher education at age 12.