About Michael Saquella
Michael Saquella is a multi-faceted actor and director with an impressive portfolio of film, television, comedy, commercial, and live entertainment roles. His journey from a young man in Rochester, NY, dreaming of the big screen, to a seasoned professional in Los Angeles, CA, is a testament to his resilience in the face of the industry’s ups and downs in TV and film. His role as John Belushi in the made-for-TV movie ‘Wired’ is just one example of his unwavering determination.
Michael was selected because he had been wowing audiences with his impersonation of the late comedic talent John Belushi in live performances in both “Legends in Concert” and “Legendary Superstars,” performing across America and Canada. Saquella was also considered because he is a talented blues singer and voice impersonator. As fate would have it, filming was discontinued due to family lawsuits but was later revived, and the role went to a different actor.
In 2023, Mike landed the lead male role in the comedy/drama hit A Conversation with a Mobster, where he brings both humor and realism to the life of a seasoned Italian-American crime lord. It is Saquella’s no-quit attitude that has placed him beside many A-list actors, including Antonio Sabato Jr., Burt Reynolds, Robert Loggia, and many more. His ability to work alongside these esteemed actors is a testament to his determination and professional relationships. Mike Saquella is a member of SAG-AFTRA and has won numerous acting awards for television and film while successfully transitioning into directing and screenwriting.
FILM and ACTING CAREER
Michael Saquella has established himself as a leading actor for nearly 40 years. His most recent project was playing the principal character in El Coyote, a film he co-directed, which depicts the gritty world of the Italian mob as it clashes with Mexican drug cartels. He brings not only a sense of power and danger to these types of gangster films but also an abundance of realism. Mike was also the Writer and Director of the comedy film Carolina’s Calling, a project in which he was able to obtain top-ranked actors Anthony Sabato Jr. and Stacy Dash to play lead roles. Another lead acting, writing, and/or directing roles for Mike include Dream Round, Old Man Cacti, Desert Rose, and Forget About It, featuring Hollywood Icons Burt Reynolds, Raquel Welch, Robert Loggia, and Charles Durning.
MULTI-TALENTED ENTERTAINER
What makes Mike Saquella a unique film and TV actor is his diverse range of skills in the entertainment industry. He is an established comic and blues singer, and he puts his skills to good use touring the globe with his performances as John Belushi in Legends in Concert. This popular celebrity impersonation showcase is one of the longest-running tribute shows in the world. During the tour, Mike is able to spotlight both his comedy and blues singing skills. In addition to his versatile acting skills, Saquella has also launched his streaming network, in2itive Network, where he not only streams his own movies and TV shows but also those of other talented and emerging actors.
DIRECTOR and SCREENWRITER
As Michael Saquella began delving into the more technical side of the entertainment industry, he discovered he had a talent for screenwriting. Through his decades of on-set experience, he developed his distinct style of crafting storylines, characters, and dialogue. His intuitive sense of what works and what doesn’t is evident in Ambush at Peck Canyon, based on the true story of murdered Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, which he also directed. Currently, he also has a film in production, The El Paso Lyft, which will be distributed through his in2itive Network. Saquella also directed and played the lead role in Blue Lake Butcher, a horror film available for streaming on Amazon Prime and other outlets.
PERSONAL LIFE
Saquella is not only passionate about movies and television, but he is also a gifted cook who enjoys experimenting with a wide range of culinary dishes, including Southwestern and Italian-American cuisine. His interests and hobbies, such as his love for football and his close friendship with the late screen icon Burt Reynolds, have all contributed to making him more relatable to fans. Mike was nearly selected as a placekicker for the NFL during his college years and is always proud to call himself a good friend of Burt Reynolds, and he still takes time to remember and honor his acting legacy.
When Michael finds time away from acting, writing, or directing, he enjoys giving back to the community, often performing his Blues Brothers impersonation routine for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For years, he has been an active volunteer at the Phoenix Rescue Mission during the Thanksgiving season.
