Denver’s premier funnyman is like a chameleon; he can blend into and become anything you want (or need) him to be. He has an immediate instinct for what it’s going to take to make your event a hit. Need a living statue? A strolling, talking, Mona Lisa painting? A real fire-eating character? Any kind of costume concept, Paul’s your “make it happen guy.” Whatever role Paul is playing, he’s sure to entertain your crowd and give the “gig” a life of it’s own.
Aside from being a “world-class entertainer/actor,” Paul is also a creative costume designer. Paul’s innovative ideas will help you customize your special celebration into a unique one of a kind extravaganza. He’s a natural superstar whose roots go back to the New York stage. Throw in his highly praised local stage work, and the roles he’s played on such classic television shows as “Kate & Allie,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Father Dowling,” and “Perry Mason,” you can see why Paul is so respected and known by all as an exceptional talent.
What is always in your refrigerator? Soy sauce and lemons. They seem to be the starting point with much of Erica’s cooking. (She’s a great cook!)
Do you have a favorite childhood memory? Traveling to Yellowstone Park with four kids and my parents in a Chevy II.
Tell me a little about how your career got started? I knew at a young age that I wanted to be an actor. I moved to NYC after college to become a Broadway and television star. Every time I landed a low paying role in a play, I had to quit my day job. It became tiresome constantly looking for work after the close of each show. I stumbled into the “party entertainment circuit” where several of my actor friends were making a living earning some extra cash. It stuck, and became the perfect day job replacement for me.
What did you say as a young boy you wanted to be when you grew up? I have fond memories of sitting snuggled up to my Dad on the couch at about age 4 or 5 watching Tarzan movies. My favorite one was “Tarzan’s New York Adventure,” starring Johnny Weismiller. When I asked my Dad if we could go visit Tarzan in Africa, he told me that Tarzan was really an actor and it was filmed in a studio. Well, that is all I needed to hear - I wanted to be an actor.
How do you create your characters? I used to use the techniques from my various acting teachers while I was studying in NY. Every time I worked with a different teacher, I tried a new technique. Now I find myself drawing from a combination of various teachings along with life experiences.
What was the most challenging part you have ever played? Usually the most difficult roles are the most fun to do. They require your complete involvement. Several years ago, I played the pedophile uncle in “How I Learned to Drive” at the Acoma Theater. It required me to open a door into a “dark room” and bring the audience in with me. It was a powerful theatrical experience.
What’s important in your life? Family …. And that extends to close friends as well.
What do you most value in your friends? Honesty, loyalty and humor.
What is one thing someone might not know about you? I am an emotional man. (Hey, I’m Italian!)
What makes “The Talented Mr. Borrillo” laugh? My son, my pets (3 cats, 2 dogs); and my silly job makes me laugh often.
What is your greatest indulgence? My work.
What social or charitable event is your favorite? Anything relating to children.
Who is your favorite writer? I read books on Native Americans, and American History for pleasure without a specific author. I would have to say that Shakespeare is my favorite writer. I can be stopped dead in my tracks with the sheer poetry of a single line of text from Shakespeare. “Nor I, nor any man that but man is, with nothing shall be pleas’d till he be eased with being nothing.” (Richard II)
What is your favorite restaurant? I really like the Imperial Chinese Restaurant on Broadway. They have the best cold sesame noodles.
What do you consider your proudest or most significant achievement? Fatherhood. It is the most difficult and never-ending task I have ever taken on, and it is also the most rewarding.
What is your advice for a happy marriage? Choose wisely, be patient, fight fairly, forgive often (you’ll need it in return) and never give up.
What do you like most about the town or state you live in? Although I was born in New York, Denver is the home of my childhood, and it is the place that influenced my dreams and goals.
Is there another city/state/country that is also special to you? I was born in N.Y., became an independent and free-thinking adult when I moved back there for a while, met my wife, Erica, there, and it is where my son, Shane, was born.
What bothers you most about the world today? People are all so afraid of each other. The best remedy for it is to talk to different people as often as you can, in line at the supermarket, in restaurants, etc. We also need to seek communication with people who don’t look like or talk like ourselves.
What are you hobbies or other interests? History of Western Civilization and American History and designing costumes.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you’ve ever met? Dick Van Dyke. I had a guest role on his TV show a few years ago, and I was delighted to find him just as warm, compassionate, and fun as I had always hoped he would be.
What would you do if you were King of the world? Make everyone from all over the world cook a meal together. Each person would contribute one ingredient. They would have to cook it together and sit down at a big table and eat it (with lots of wine!).
What is your most treasured possession? If health is a possession, then I treasure it most. I have been blessed with good health.
What is your personal motto or favorite quote? “Man can know, but he must first know that he does not know.”
What is the best advice your Mom/Dad ever gave you? “Everything in moderation” and “All things shall pass.”
What is the best advise someone else ever gave you? (1) Be kind to everyone you meet. (2) To try is to postpone doing. (3) Don’t ever let the fear of failure stop you from acting on your impulses.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Erica and Shane. We have this little family experience that has been going on for over 17 years. Marriage is not easy neither is parenthood, but the soul connections are everlasting.
What made you the person you are today? I had a committed family that was always there when I was a child.
Who is the real Paul Borrillo? What you see, is what you get!
Want a touch of fantasy or “altered states?” Try Paul’s Cirque Entertainment. Paul says he uses a combination of qualified local talent and former Cirque Du Soleil performers to dazzle your guests in any setting small or large. If you want to chat with Paul about an entertainment concept, he can be reached at etconcepts@earthlink.net or at 303-596-0920.
