Written in Partnership with Maria Williams
Adam Thomas Moryto was born on January 28th, 1991, in Markham, Ontario. He is an actor, writer, film financier, executive producer, and a billfish tournament fisherman. With an interesting and complex background, Moryto is an artist who brings a unique perspective to his work.
Moryto’s grandfather escaped Communist Czechoslovakia under Hitler’s regime with his grandmother and mother, attempting to bribe a Nazi border official but eventually smashing through the barricade with his car. The family fled to a ship, which brought them to Canada. His grandfather, who did not speak any English, worked at a local gas station to help him learn the language. Within 30 years, he built one of the most successful Canadian lumber empires in history. He gave Moryto and his brother a life of privilege, but he never got to see them grow up. Cancer took him away when Moryto was just 10 years old.
The family tragedy resulted in his parents’ divorce, leading to Moryto’s childhood suffering a significant loss. His mother remarried, and he began a new chapter in his life. Despite having a life of privilege, Moryto developed imposter syndrome, where he felt he was living a life that wasn’t his, leading to a severe addiction to opiates.
Moryto graduated from St. Andrew’s College prep school in Aurora, Ontario, in 2009, and from Western University (UWO) in 2013 with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Business. He also has a degree from Toronto Academy of Acting. After graduation, he worked as a political analyst for the government and interned at a marketing firm. However, he knew he was not cut out for a 9-5 job in an office. He needed freedom, unconventional hours, and something creative to fill his time with.
Moryto found solace in fishing, a passion his grandfather introduced him to when he was six years old in Barbados, where his family built their home. He traveled the world fishing marlin tournaments in Grenada, Tobago, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Barbados. He even came 9th out of 227 anglers in the 2018 Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica. Fishing became his therapy, helping him overcome addiction and develop a sense of purpose.
Moryto started his acting career in Toronto, training at the Pro Actors Lab and Armstrong Studios. He trained with notable acting coaches in North America, including David Rotenberg, Lewis Baumander, Andrej Acin, and Aaron Speiser. He worked with Academy Award winners Jennifer Connelly and Forest Whitaker, and other notable actors such as Stephan James, Travis Fimmel, Paul Walter Hauser, Marisa Tomei, Ethan Hawke, Callum Keith Rennie, Michael Chiklis, Jessica Szohr, Marton Csokas, Sean Faris, Wes Bentley, Elias Koteas, and Nicolas Cage.
Moryto’s acting career took off, leading to more significant roles and opportunities. However, he felt like he needed to challenge himself, which led him to plan an extreme YouTube fishing show. The show would feature celebrity guests who get vulnerable about themselves and their careers while catching terrifying predators. His idol, Jeremy Wade, inspired him, and Moryto wanted to create a show similar to River Monsters.
In conclusion, Adam Thomas Moryto’s life story is one of tragedy, addiction, and redemption. His passion for fishing and acting has helped him overcome his demons and find a sense of purpose. Moryto is a unique artist who brings a fresh perspective to the industry, no matter the obstacle he will continue to strive and break every barrier in his way.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.