Just as I was about to celebrate my eighth year as a professional Bruno Mars celebrity impersonator, I received an unexpected request that would turn an ordinary day into a memorable milestone. A member of comedian Andrew Santino’s team reached out, inviting me to participate in a promotional video for his Netflix special White Noise. The catch—or perhaps the blessing—was that the filming was happening right here in my city. For someone in my line of work, the timing and location couldn’t have been more perfect. I live in what many consider the media capital of the world—a city that thrives on creativity, where artists record albums, performers rehearse for global tours, and actors bring countless movies, television shows, and stories to life every single day. Opportunities like this don’t come around every day, and I knew instantly that this one had the potential to be truly special.
When the invitation came, my first thought wasn’t just about the career milestone—it was about my son. My son, now 11, has been part of my journey since the very beginning. Since he was three years old, I’ve been performing professionally as a celebrity lookalike and impersonator, and he’s grown up in a world where meeting people, traveling to some gigs, and watching me perform in front of cameras is part of everyday life. Naturally, he’s developed his own tastes and interests in modern media—YouTube stars, online personalities, and viral creators are very much a part of his world. While I haven’t yet collaborated with MrBeast, one of his all-time favorites, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with another YouTuber he loves: Airrack. Airrack was generous enough to make a special video just for my son—a memory that will last a lifetime, and one he can choose to share with the world when he’s ready. So, when I told my son about the opportunity to work with Andrew Santino, I also shared a few clips of Andrew’s work. Instantly, my son’s eyes lit up; he knew exactly who Andrew was, and the excitement was palpable.
I was able to bring my son along to the filming of the promotional video—a rare and special chance for him to see first-hand what my work entails. Before any gig, I always make sure the logistics are seamless, and this day was no different. I called an Uber SUV to pick us up and drop us off. While we often travel in style for gigs, this trip had added significance: I wanted my son to experience the full journey, from start to finish, and witness what goes into my craft behind the scenes.
Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by a member of Andrew’s team, who provided me with a rundown of the shoot. My son, meanwhile, wandered the studio, snapping photos and taking in the bustling environment. The plan for the sketch was straightforward, though when I initially booked the gig, I was only given a brief overview of what to expect. That element of uncertainty—never knowing exactly how things will unfold—is one of the aspects I love most about being a professional impersonator. Each performance brings its own energy, its own rhythm, and its own audience, and I thrive on adapting in the moment, flowing with the vibe, and delivering the best possible experience.
As Andrew’s team member wrapped up the instructions, I suddenly heard a familiar voice in the studio. Without thinking, I asked, “Is that Marilyn Monroe?” The reply came quickly: “Yes.” My eyes widened in recognition. “Allie Moss!?” I exclaimed. He confirmed it. I couldn’t help but laugh because just two weeks prior, I had met up with Allie to discuss our work in the celebrity impersonation industry. If you don’t know Allie Moss, she is an incredibly talented professional who brings both Taylor Swift and Marilyn Monroe to life with remarkable authenticity. She has a unique presence in the world of lookalikes and impersonators, and meeting her at a gig felt like running into an old friend in a small, interconnected community.
Allie had just finished her segment with Andrew and entered the waiting room. Seeing her again felt serendipitous, and we laughed at the coincidence. It’s a small world in our industry, and these encounters always add a layer of joy and camaraderie to the experience. She generously agreed to take a photo with my son and me before heading off to her next gig, which added another personal touch to an already exciting day.
When it was finally my turn, I was given some guidance for the sketch, enough to understand the direction without diminishing the improvisational element. This would be my first real opportunity to improv on camera in years—since high school, in fact. We filmed the segment only twice, and it lasted less than ten minutes. Yet, those minutes were electrifying. Andrew Santino’s professionalism and charisma made the process seamless, and his ability to create a relaxed, creative atmosphere allowed me to focus entirely on delivering the performance. Working with someone of his caliber reinforced the thrill of collaborating with professionals in the entertainment industry and reminded me why I love what I do.
Once filming concluded, my son eagerly approached the set. I introduced him to Andrew, who immediately noticed the phone in my son’s hand. In an instant, Andrew began filming a quick, impromptu video with him. Once again, a public figure took the time to create a personal memory for my son. The result was hilarious: Andrew delivered a line from his podcast Bad Friends with Bobby Lee, a line my son knew well—“I’m Bobby Mom.” The laughter that followed was infectious, and the joy on my son’s face was priceless.
As we left the studio, we said our goodbyes and climbed back into our Uber. The ride home was filled with conversation, storytelling, and reflection. My son was already thinking about how he would share this experience with his friends at school, while I considered how I would recount this unique day to my colleagues. For my son, the highlight was meeting Andrew Santino and participating in a video that perfectly combined humor and spontaneity. For me, it was the fulfillment of two roles simultaneously: creating a memorable experience for my little guy while also seizing an opportunity to work with a remarkable professional in my industry. It was a perfect intersection of personal and professional life—a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful experiences are the ones that touch both worlds at once.
Reflecting on the day, I realize that these moments are what make my career as a celebrity impersonator so rewarding. It’s not just about the performances themselves or the attention the impersonations bring—it’s about the connections, the collaborations, and the shared laughter that create lasting memories. Whether it’s meeting other talented professionals like Allie Moss, working with a renowned comedian like Andrew Santino, or sharing the experience with my son, each encounter reinforces the joy and unpredictability of the entertainment world.
Eight years into this career, I continue to discover new facets of the work I love. Every gig has its own story, its own challenges, and its own rewards. Yet, the moments that remain etched in my memory are always those that combine artistry, connection, and personal significance. This particular experience, blending professional collaboration with father-son bonding, stands out as one of the most meaningful milestones of my career so far.
In the end, what makes these moments truly unforgettable isn’t just the excitement of the industry or the thrill of performing—it’s sharing it with the people who matter most, creating experiences that resonate long after the cameras stop rolling, and realizing that in this business, magic can happen in the most unexpected and delightful ways. And as my son and I continue to navigate our own journeys—his in discovering the world of online creators and mine in impersonating icons—I know that this day, with its laughter, surprises, and shared joy, will be a story we tell for years to come.