Chelsie CarvajalThe ancient Greeks viewed theater as sacred ground where human nature revealed itself honestly. Actors who recognize the stage as the crucible where they forge screen excellence express that principle anew. Momo Assad represents performers who recognize that theatrical training provides an irreplaceable foundation for modern entertainment success.
Born in Rome and raised in a multilingual household speaking Italian and Arabic, Momo Assad relocated to the United States at 18. His path from Penn State University’s marketing program to earning a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from The Art of Acting Studio Stella Adler Professional Conservatory demonstrates how business acumen and rigorous artistic training create actors capable of navigating both creative and commercial entertainment sectors.
The Shakespeare Foundation
Theater demands absolute commitment from performers. Every gesture must carry meaning, every word must reach the back row, and every emotion must register across vast spaces. Assad’s 2024 work at the New Swan Shakespeare Festival — performing as Curio in “Twelfth Night” under Eli Simon’s direction and Lucio in “Measure for Measure” with Beth Lopes — provided skills that translate directly to screen work.
The festival, which has been active since 2012, has attracted industry professionals, including Abel Garcia, Rachel VanWormer, Greg Ungar, and Sean Spann. Both productions earned Orange Curtain nominations, and the festival received several awards. Shakespeare’s language demands mastery of rhythm, breath control, and emotional precision — technical requirements that create performers who understand energy modulation across different media.
Momo Assad’s transition from New Swan Festival stages to HBO’s “The Rehearsal” with Nathan Fielder demonstrated his ability to maintain authenticity across medium constraints. The three-month festival experience, performing daily for Orange County audiences, instilled discipline essential for screen work and opened opportunities, including auditions for the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Professional excellence since 2021
Since establishing his Los Angeles presence in 2021, Assad has become integral to California’s artistic community. He works across Hollywood, North Hollywood, and West Hollywood, with projects extending to Irvine and planned New York engagements, never letting go of the anchor in Europe
Momo Assad’s collaborations include multiple films with Niki Koss, recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30, working alongside Kirk Foxx, Taylor Gray, and Audrey Cymone. Their film “Daisy” screened at the TCL Chinese Theatre and was featured at HollyShorts. His partnership with Nico Fulton Lavachek, grandson of three-time Academy Award winner John P. Fulton, acting in multiple film projects, with another in development.
Jeffrey Ashkin’s recent work on “Back-Up Camera” represents a collaboration with a filmmaker who has brought four awards and 17 nominations to the partnership.
Contemporary theater innovation
Momo Assad’s theater work extends beyond Shakespeare into Los Angeles venues, particularly Rita House. His lead performance as El-Fayoumi in “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot,” directed by Bryan Keith, required remaining onstage for nearly the entire production during the monthlong West Hollywood run. Rita House carries a significant entertainment legacy. It was initially a prop design studio and then a violin factory before Rita Riggs, an award-winning costume designer who worked with Alfred Hitchcock and Norman Lear, purchased it in 1967.
Momo Assad’s collaboration with Beth Lopes, who has directed nearly every Shakespeare play, extends his theatrical education. Lopes mentored Assad in their Hollywood production of “Troilus and Cressida,” where he performed dual roles as Paris and Patroclus.
International professional framework
Momo Assad’s multilingual abilities, including fluency in Italian, English, Arabic, and Spanish, combined with his ethnically ambiguous appearance, position him strategically for an industry focused on authentic international representation. His professional representation includes Studio Fidemi in Europe (45 years of industry experience), ShuShu Entertainment for management, and CESD in the United States.
During the Ischia Global Film Festival, Assad was invited to be the presenter, interviewer, and logistics collaborator, facilitating communication between international stars, including Franco Nero and Catherine Hardwicke, Nick Vallelonga and many others.
Current projects and industry positioning
Assad’s current slate demonstrates his international entertainment positioning. Preparing for roles to eventually work in South India with the Sivan team represents major cross-cultural filmmaking, while collaborations with Louis Zogaib (assistant executive director at the Directors Guild of America) and Joe Pantano through Peanut Gallery showcase connections to entertainment’s highest levels.
The Medieval Sicily book adaptation project, secured through his representation team, solidifies collaboration with the Comune di Sicilia on historically significant Italian stories for global audiences.
International recognition and festival circuit
Momo Assad’s reputation spans multiple continents through substantive honors. India’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Minister Murugan, invited him to the Cannes Film Festival, where Assad walked the red carpet and Hollywood Reporter India featured him. The Governor of West Bengal extended an invitation to stay at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata for the International Film Festival of India.
Assad’s recent selection among “Emerging Stars” at the Ischia Global Film Festival positioned him with established international talent, including Lorenzo De Moor, Ella Rae Smith, and Gary Stretch. His upcoming Venice Film Festival participation with Pascal Vicedomini, collaborating with RAI Felicita and RAI Paradise, represents continued festival circuit presence.
Assad’s family restaurant legacy in Rome has created unique industry connections. It has hosted celebrities including Adam Sandler, Jude Law, Andy Garcia, and Mel Gibson, and these relationships established Assad’s reputation as a connector between diverse entertainment markets.
Industry evolution and future positioning
Momo Assad’s career trajectory reflects the evolution of the entertainment industry. While technology continues changing the story distribution and consumption, fundamental theatrical skills remain irreplaceable. His progression from classical Shakespeare to contemporary HBO programming demonstrates the enduring relevance of theatrical fundamentals.
Current projects spanning three continents, from Venice Festival participation to a South Indian film production position, place Assad within the new paradigm of international entertainment collaboration. The convergence of global markets creates opportunities for actors who understand that authenticity transcends medium.
Theater remains a training ground for authentic performance. Assad’s journey from Roman stages to American screens illustrates how classical preparation enables modern versatility. The future belongs to performers who understand that every screen performance begins with the theater’s fundamental question: How does one make an audience believe? Momo Assad’s career demonstrates that the answer lies in timeless skills from live performance. As entertainment becomes increasingly global, Assad’s classical training, cultural fluency, and international perspective position him at the forefront of this evolution.