Actor/Philanthropist Kyle Stefanski talks about his role in GOTTI, starring John Travolta (opening June 15), directed by Kevin Connolly.
When I got the opportunity to speak with Kyle Stefanski (Acts of Violence, First We Take Brooklyn), he was on the run from a celebration for his family bank in Cleveland, Ohio, to a private gala in the Hollywood Hills for his charity ‘Rhonda’s Kiss‘, then back to New York for the Thursday premiere of his latest film Gotti, opening nationwide on Friday, June 15. He was bubbling with excitement and anticipation, and still over the moon from the birth of his new baby boy, Oliver Kingsley.
What is your role in ‘Gotti’ ?
Kyle Stefanski I play a prize fighter from John Gotti’s neighborhood in Brooklyn. My character reflects the humanistic side of John Gotti, he was much more than a gangster. He was a hero in his neighborhood. He takes in the boxer like a son, he supports his efforts to help him make his dreams come true. John Gotti Jr. gave me some tips on the real character.
What was it like to work with John Travolta, who plays ‘Gotti’ in the film?
Kyle Stefanski. John is such a professional. I have several scenes of face to face dialogue with him, it was an honor.
Tell me about your Executive Director role in the nonprofit charity ‘Rhonda’s Kiss’.
Kyle Stefanski. I founded the organization in collaboration with my family, I am one of five brothers and sisters. We lost our mother, Rhonda, to pancreatic cancer in 2014. The charity has given us an outlet to parlay our tragedy into a positive force. ‘Rhonda’s Kiss’ is dedicated to her memory and our mission is to help cancer patients and their families with non-medical expenses and support cutting edge research. I’m heading back to California as we speak to attend a celebrity dinner fund raiser for donors to ‘Rhonda’s Kiss’.
What’s next in your acting career?
Kyle Stefanski In August I’m back in New York City to play a gangster in an organized crime film.
Thanks Kyle, looking forward to watching Gotti, premiering nationwide this Friday, June 15.
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