How a YouTube Employee Landed a Role in the Bruce Springsteen Biopic
Mike Chiavaro, YouTube's Music Content Operations Manager, secretly took on the role of Garry Tallent in the Bruce Springsteen biopic Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere. His unexpected casting came as a surprise to his colleagues.
The Unusual Transformation
Late last year, Mike appeared at work sporting “gigantic sideburns,” an uncommon look for someone who usually keeps his facial hair well-groomed. When asked, he joked,
“I told people I’d lost a bet.”In reality, Mike had gained a unique opportunity.
The Casting Call
Before growing his sideburns, Mike received an unexpected call from a casting director searching for someone to play E Street Band bassist Garry Tallent in the film. As a lifelong bassist with experience performing alongside artists like Richard Marx and Derek Trucks, Mike was highly recommended.
- The shoot would span four weeks distributed over three months.
- Having sideburns was essential for the role.
- An NDA was required, although Mike could inform his manager.
A Lifelong Connection to Springsteen's Music
Mike’s connection to Springsteen’s work goes back decades, rooted in his own bass playing and proximity to New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen’s home state. He shared,
“I’d been listening to and playing Bruce’s music my whole life. This was like a dream.”
Summary
Mike Chiavaro balanced his role at YouTube while fulfilling a dream by portraying a key musician in a major Bruce Springsteen biopic, blending his passion and professional life.
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