Chuck Zito

Chuck Zito is an actor, stuntman, martial artist, former amateur boxer, and former celebrity bodyguard whose career spans multiple facets of the entertainment industry. Zito established his reputation through years of experience on the streets of New York and on the sets of major Hollywood productions. He was a member of the Hells Angels for 25 years, serving as vice president of the New York City charter and president of the New York Nomads chapter. Zito began martial arts training at age 18 and earned black belts in jujitsu and five other disciplines, contributing to a diverse combat skill set that has been integral to his work in film and television.

Zito's entry into Hollywood came through his work as a celebrity bodyguard. After assisting the bodyguards of actor Robert Conrad at a motorcycle convention, he founded Charlie's Angels Bodyguard Service. He initially provided protection for actress Lorna Luft and later worked for her half-sister Liza Minnelli, whose recommendation helped Zito build a network of contacts in Hollywood. His clients included Muhammad Ali, Charles Bronson, Michael Jackson, Sean Penn, Mickey Rourke, Charlie Sheen, and Sylvester Stallone. These connections led to stunt work, and Zito began his career as a stuntman when he acted as Mickey Rourke's stunt double in the film "Year of the Dragon." He went on to work on more than 50 films, including "Nowhere to Run," "The Specialist," "True Lies," "Die Hard with a Vengeance," "Heat," "Eraser," "The Juror," and "The Rock."

After establishing himself as a bodyguard and stuntman, Zito secured a breakout acting role as mobster Chucky Pancamo on the HBO television series "Oz," a role he played for five seasons. He followed this with other roles in crime dramas, including "Sons of Anarchy." His film credits include appearances in "Carlito's Way" with Al Pacino, "Hudson Hawk" with Bruce Willis, "The Last Boy Scout" starring Bruce Willis, and the adaptation "Homefront" with Jason Statham. Zito has also worked as a ringside boxing reporter, professional wrestling manager, and radio personality, demonstrating versatility across the entertainment and sports industries.

Zito's life has included significant challenges. After being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan for 14 months, he accepted a plea deal from federal prosecutors, pleading guilty to one felony count of drug conspiracy and receiving a 10-year sentence. His sentence was reduced to seven years upon appeal, and Zito ultimately served six years at 19 different federal prisons. He later channeled these experiences into his creative work, including his autobiography, "Street Justice," co-authored with Joe Layden. Zito left the Hells Angels to focus on his acting career, resigning from the club in good standing. His journey from New York's streets to Hollywood's stages highlights a career defined by authenticity, resilience, and adaptability in the entertainment and martial arts industries.