John Ruggiero was raised in Glen Ridge NJ during the 60's and 70's. He attended Glen Ridge High School where he played baseball, soccer and wrestled. After graduating high school in 1980 and seeing his friend, Tom Mapother/ Tom Cruise, become a successful actor, John also wanted to pursue acting. Being a product of North Jersey John made many friends in questionable professions. He knew these experiences could serve him well in his pursuit of an acting career. John eventually moved to Atlantic City and began working in the Casino Industry. His first acting role came as an extra in "The Color of Money" starring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise. Shortly thereafter he got married had children and had to put his acting on hold. Over the course of the next 30yrs, he worked in the finance industry as a mortgage banker. His success in this industry made him forget about becoming an actor. Now remarried with 3 additional children , 6 in total, he is ready to take his acting career head on. It is only fitting, based on his upbringing, that his first role is a wise guy in the upcoming Sopranos prequel " The Many Saints of Newark"