Chiko Mendez has not entered any competitions
Chiko Mendez
Born in Dominican Republic – Chiko arrived in New York only months old. Though life was tough and his family poor, Chiko made it a priority to finish school no matter what. He excelled in reading and writing becoming proficient in both English and Spanish. In high school he minored in theatrics and later performed frequently in school plays.
To pass the time he often performed in local weekend plays called “veladas”; where tickets were a mere 5-10 cents and the curtain was nothing more than a bed sheet strung across two trees with some homemade rope; now, hitchhiking across town barefooted with a 3-string guitar to perform live on a local AM radio station after school; well, that was one of his other hobbies.
Continuous years of loyal dedication lead to multiple appearances in television shows like NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Junkyard Wars, A&E’s Watching the Detectives, Japan TV’s Astonishing News, Spain’s Tele 5, HBO’s Sopranos, Law & Order, etc. On his journey for artistic evolution he attends HB Studios to further flex his acting chops - after which he was involved in over 150 TV/ film projects which he affectionately refers to as the “boot-camp” of his career highlights. One of those was a coveted role as a backup singer to Marc Anthony in the movie “El Cantante”, starring Jennifer Lopez, John Ortiz; directed by Leon Ichaso. Another was a pivotal scene with the sultry Mexican actress, Ana de La Reguera in “Paraiso Travel”, starring John Leguizamo; directed by Simon Brand. Soon after he was given a supporting role in “The Singer,” another film about the famed Salsero, Hector Lavoe, starring well-known performers as Raul Carbonell, La India and Patricia Monterola. In addition to his credits, Chiko’s worked with other successful actors such as Rachel Castro (Jersey Girl), Horatio Sanz & Fred Armisen (SNL), Debbie Rochon (Toxic Avenger), Paul Kratka (Friday the 13th), Javier Sarda (Tele 5, Spain) and TV/ stage directors such as Richmond Shepard (Richmond Shepard Theatre) and many more.
On the music forefront, Chiko is also a vocalist, lyricist, composer, musician and producer. Tinkering in electronics lead him to build his first computer eventually morphing into his first home studio where he began learning “Music Production 101”. Years later he collaborates with artists such as Lisa Lisa, Janid, Ray Sepulveda, Giggles, Tito Allan, John Benitez, Jimmy Sabater Sr. & Jr. and many more. He is consistently working on various music projects targeting that one hit. Chiko’s acting, writing and music have been featured on commercial DVD’s and along with self-published CD’s are now available worldwide on Netflix, Blockbuster, CD Baby, Amazon, etc. Other medias include El Diario, El Especial, Un Chin, Daily News, Kiss FM, La Mega and even a book published in Spain where Chiko’s artistic passion is displayed.
Though based in New York, Chiko’s work spans the globe with travels to Asia, Europe, Central and South America – and while recording three albums in three different languages to be released worldwide in different genres; he keeps his feet wet as a lyricist for other Latin Salsa legends as well as working behind the scenes in some other independent films. Chiko’s upcoming projects range from translator/ lyricist/ backup vocals for accomplished recording artist as well as acting and screenwriting for potential film projects; yet years of tenacious loyalty to the film-making craft have placed him behind the camera; wearing various hats from Assistant Director to Stunt Coordinator.
As a firm believer in working on his craft; he’s furnished us with his quote of the day. “Do what you can, when you can, while you can; ‘Cause when you’re gone, Well, It doesn’t matter.”
To pass the time he often performed in local weekend plays called “veladas”; where tickets were a mere 5-10 cents and the curtain was nothing more than a bed sheet strung across two trees with some homemade rope; now, hitchhiking across town barefooted with a 3-string guitar to perform live on a local AM radio station after school; well, that was one of his other hobbies.
Continuous years of loyal dedication lead to multiple appearances in television shows like NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Junkyard Wars, A&E’s Watching the Detectives, Japan TV’s Astonishing News, Spain’s Tele 5, HBO’s Sopranos, Law & Order, etc. On his journey for artistic evolution he attends HB Studios to further flex his acting chops - after which he was involved in over 150 TV/ film projects which he affectionately refers to as the “boot-camp” of his career highlights. One of those was a coveted role as a backup singer to Marc Anthony in the movie “El Cantante”, starring Jennifer Lopez, John Ortiz; directed by Leon Ichaso. Another was a pivotal scene with the sultry Mexican actress, Ana de La Reguera in “Paraiso Travel”, starring John Leguizamo; directed by Simon Brand. Soon after he was given a supporting role in “The Singer,” another film about the famed Salsero, Hector Lavoe, starring well-known performers as Raul Carbonell, La India and Patricia Monterola. In addition to his credits, Chiko’s worked with other successful actors such as Rachel Castro (Jersey Girl), Horatio Sanz & Fred Armisen (SNL), Debbie Rochon (Toxic Avenger), Paul Kratka (Friday the 13th), Javier Sarda (Tele 5, Spain) and TV/ stage directors such as Richmond Shepard (Richmond Shepard Theatre) and many more.
On the music forefront, Chiko is also a vocalist, lyricist, composer, musician and producer. Tinkering in electronics lead him to build his first computer eventually morphing into his first home studio where he began learning “Music Production 101”. Years later he collaborates with artists such as Lisa Lisa, Janid, Ray Sepulveda, Giggles, Tito Allan, John Benitez, Jimmy Sabater Sr. & Jr. and many more. He is consistently working on various music projects targeting that one hit. Chiko’s acting, writing and music have been featured on commercial DVD’s and along with self-published CD’s are now available worldwide on Netflix, Blockbuster, CD Baby, Amazon, etc. Other medias include El Diario, El Especial, Un Chin, Daily News, Kiss FM, La Mega and even a book published in Spain where Chiko’s artistic passion is displayed.
Though based in New York, Chiko’s work spans the globe with travels to Asia, Europe, Central and South America – and while recording three albums in three different languages to be released worldwide in different genres; he keeps his feet wet as a lyricist for other Latin Salsa legends as well as working behind the scenes in some other independent films. Chiko’s upcoming projects range from translator/ lyricist/ backup vocals for accomplished recording artist as well as acting and screenwriting for potential film projects; yet years of tenacious loyalty to the film-making craft have placed him behind the camera; wearing various hats from Assistant Director to Stunt Coordinator.
As a firm believer in working on his craft; he’s furnished us with his quote of the day. “Do what you can, when you can, while you can; ‘Cause when you’re gone, Well, It doesn’t matter.”
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