Marrero’s “Blue Bloods” episode airs in about a month on E.T. He appears in a scene about an explosion at a hookah bar. (Photo courtesy of Marcus Marrero)
By LAURA SANICOLA
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Marcus Marrero, FCRH ’15, has found acting success in the Big Apple, landing a guest role on the CBS drama “Blue Bloods.” Marrero takes liberal arts classes in school but searches for work as an actor when classes are over.
He signed with Central Casting, an organization that connects actors with work based on roles that match a person’s specific look, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and woke up to a phone call inviting him to film on Friday, Nov. 15.
He was shocked but thrilled to have been hired for a role a mere two days after placing his search. “This is my first real acting job, and I had the opportunity to work with the cast of ‘Blue Bloods,’” Marrero said. “It is unreal.”
“Blue Bloods” is a police drama that is currently in its fourth season on CBS. The plot centers on the Reagans, a family of police offers in the NYPD. It stars Donnie Wahlberg and Tom Selleck as Danny and Frank Reagan. Marcus said getting to work with professionals was easily one of the best aspects of filming.
“They are a laid back group of people, making jokes whenever they aren’t on camera,” he said.
Marcus was amused with Walhberg’s humorous off-camera persona.
“When filming was over, Donnie pretended to direct traffic like a real cop,” Marrero said. “A lot of people stopped for him too.”
On the show, Marrero is featured in the bombing of a hookah bar in Astoria, Queens, where the episode was shot.
Viewers may not recognize him, though — Marrero is dressed to look Middle Eastern and wore stage makeup to give the appearance of having survived an explosion. He is carried off in an ambulance at the end of his scene.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Marrero attended Marble High School for International Studies, where he began to take acting classes through the Dreamyard Program.
It was during his junior and senior years that he became immersed in the world of acting and decided to pursue it as a career. He said the work is difficult, but having a support system who believes in his goals makes it worthwhile.
“I think it is wonderful to pursue acting,” said Elisabeth Hartmann, Marreo’s girlfriend. “It builds confidence and creates a unique personality. Chasing your dreams is so important, and I think he is well on his way to achieving that goal.”
His father, Isidro Marrero, who has worked on Fordham’s custodial staff for over 20 years, has been his earliest and greatest source of encouragement. He says, “If [Marcus] wants to continue with acting as a career, I will continue to support him no matter what.”
Marrero is definitely realistic about the business but determined to find his way in at all costs.
Last summer, he auditioned for the movie Noah, starring Russell Crowe. Though he was not hired, he says the experience was invaluable in that it gave him an understanding of the auditioning process.
He is considering print modeling as a way to get his foot further in the door and provide him with extra cash as he continues to look for work.
“The dream is a role on television shows or movies, though Broadway has fascinated me for years,” Marrero said, grinning. “I would definitely not be opposed to musical theater. I’ll do whatever it takes to make the dream happen.”
Marrero’s episode should be on the air in approximately one month. “Blue Bloods” airs Fridays at 10 p.m. E.T.
