Ex-club owner gets his first big role on US TV

A FORMER Cardiff nightclub owner who left the capital to become an actor landed a role in a US crime drama and was seen on British TV on Saturday night.

Gianluca Malacrino, 24, starred in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in his first big role on network television in America and it was shown here on Sky W.

The actor has worked with the director of The Godfather, Francis Ford Coppola, after moving across the Atlantic and describes his role as “a real meaty part”.

But the rising star was back in the Welsh capital this weekend for the Champions League final.

Gianluca, who is the son of Giovanni Malacrino, owner of Giovanni’s Restaurants in Cardiff, returned to home soil to watch his and his father’s favourite football team, Juventus, take on Real Madrid.

He moved out to LA after auditioning and being accepted to study at the AMDA, the College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, in the West Coast city.

Before moving to America he studied at the Actors Workshop in Cardiff and, despite missing his grandparents’ cooking in Grangetown, he is enjoying life out in LA.

Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders sees the 24-year-old actor taking on an in-depth role of an Italian man who has recently been released from prison.

Gianluca said: back in Wales.

“Life in America is amazing but nothing beats coming home to your family.

“Me and my dad are thrilled that “It’s great to be Juventus are playing in the Champions League final, and in none other than our hometown.”

He added: “It’s been a fantastic week. It feels great to witness my performance in Criminal Minds with my family, who have always been incredibly supportive.”

Giovanni, who had wanted to watch both his son and his favourite team, said he was grateful for modern technology.

“If I had to choose between the two of them, of course I’d be watching my son,” he said.

“But luckily these days with recorded television you can do both you know. I’m going to the game live and I’m recording my son.”

The CBS show also stars Goodfellas actor Paul Sorvino and The Sopranos actress Aida Turturro.

Gianluca also recently had a role in Grey’s Anatomy.