Hidden Gems: Meet Robert Fabiani of Fabiani Photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Fabiani.

Hi Robert, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was in 8th grade I believe, when i caught the acting bug! There was a performance of Rip Van Winkle, which included break dancing, singing, and fog. I was sort of mesmerized by it, I wanted desperately to be a part of it, but there was only one problem! I was terribly shy. So, i sort of put it away somewhere in the back of my head. Years passed, and around the age of 15 I was introduced to drugs, particularly methamphetamine. I started spiraling downwards, hanging with the wrong people, in and out of the LA county jail, etc. Then when i turned 25 the judge had enough, and I was sent to Grandview Mens home in Pasadena, a recovery house. After a week of clarity, the bug came biting back and there in rehab I would begin my acting journey. My mom brought me all the books! Stella Adler, Michael Chekhov, Meisner, Lee Strasberg, Audition by Michael Shurtliff, and a Mickey Rourke biography. I dove right in and read them all. Then once I got out I started auditioning for plays. The shyness returned! My voice would quiver and my hands would shake erratically. These were mainly cattle call auditions, and some of the other actors would laugh at me! I was then introduced to Shakespeare via The Long Beach Shakespeare Theatre Co. I was with them for 3 years, and that was great. We would perform at the Long Beach Aquarium in the summers in front of an audience of around 300 people! Then I wound up joining Theatre 68 in Hollywood for a few years. I had decent representation at the time, but there was a problem. I was back on crystal meth, and because of that I bombed all my auditions. My reps would eventually get sick of it and drop me!! It’s all sort of hazy, looking back. And that’s how it would go until I turned 34. I had been trying to quit the drugs for 2 years at this point, then by some miracle I had gotten 2 months clean, and something interesting happened. In a clear state of mind I started witnessing the decline of my editor friend Matt. He had a nice pad, driving a BMW, and was making great money. He lost it all to meth, and fast!! Around the same time is when I met my wife, who I credit tremendously to my rescue. A year later I found out we were having a kid, and that has carried me ’til today, and keeps me going. I run a successful photography business now, and started acting again after the pandemic! I have a manager, and an agent now. Last year i booked a feature which is out on Amazon prime titled “Let’s Both Try”, directed by Dave Hill. This year I’ve been fortunate enough to book several short films. At this point my dream is to be like this actor named Robert Catrini. He’s an older actor, but I really admire the guy because he’s constantly working, and able to keep his privacy!! That’s what I want!! My dream is to be constantly working as an actor, but to, also, be able to walk down the street without anyone recognizing me!! There’s a lot more to my story, but that’s basically the sum of it. At the end i’d like to say that I’m blessed to have such a wonderful wife, and 2 amazing kids! 1 of them is an actor as well, he was just on Matlock! Thanks for reading my story.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A bit rocky I guess, especially at the start. I had my bout with heavy drug use, off and on, for about 19 years. Throughout this time, I would self sabotage and bomb all my auditions. I’d be tired frequently, and without sleep- which effects everything. I’d last for a short time at whatever side job I’d be doing. But I’ve been given another shot in life. I’m blessed and extremely grateful.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I work primarily as a portrait photographer: headshots, and corporate headshots. Although, i’ve been experimenting lately with infant photography! My wife costumes them, and pats them to sleep if they’re cranky, and i work the lighting and camera. It’s been very interesting, and quite some fun.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
That family is the most important thing! I used to chase luxuries, external things, and try to be someone i’m not to please certain people. All that’s gone, and now all my joy comes from my wife and 2 boys! We take a few vacations a year, and I just live for those moments.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fabianiphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabiani_photo/

Image Credits
My headshot was done by Kenneth Dolin