By William Tauro
Meet this week’s “Special Person of the Week:Paul Carafotes
Success came relatively quickly to Paul Carafotes, who made his film debut in a major motion picture at the tender age of 20, two years after setting out to study stage acting with Uta Hagen in New York City. Born in Somerville and a diehard Red Sox fan.
Paul Carafotes is also an award winning, actor/writer/director who is now also a children’s author. Paul has appeared in many films and television productions but his most recent accomplishment is the publication of Charlie Bubbles
The story of a little boy named Charlie. His magical adventure begins when he discovers he can blow large bubbles! He learns the true meaning of friendship in this heart warming tale.
His family is rather large. 6 children: 4 girls and 2 boys. Paul was the middle child, number 3. There are now 25 of them.
His son Charlie who is the inspiration of his books Charlie Bubbles is the 12th grandchild, named after Paul’s dad.
Paul made his professional acting debut in the 1980 drama “Headin’ for Broadway,” which, not unlike “A Chorus Line,” was based on the dreams and disappointments of a singing and dancing troupe going through a grueling audition process. Carafotes soon started lining up a number of impressive roles, sharing screen time with Tom Cruise (1983’s “All the Right Moves”), Demi Moore in her film debut (1981’s “Choices”), and Daryl Hannah (1986’s “The Clan of the Cave Bear”). Television was particularly kind to Carafotes, who wound up with reoccurring appearances on three episodes of 1983’s “The Greatest American Hero” and a major supporting roles as Harold Dyer on the primetime soap “Knots Landing.” As his television roles became more sporadic during the 1990s, Carafotes turned his attention to filmmaking, finally succeeding with the 2006 dramatic short “Club Soda,” a project he wrote, directed, and produced. It also reunited him with his 1993 “Italian Movie” co-star, James Gandolfini.
Our hats are off to their true Somerville spirit!
We here at the Somerville News Weekly salute you for everything that you do to make Somerville a better place.
Congratulations!
I tell my grand daughters,you have to watch this or I went to school with him, You made it Paul you were a sweet heart, jean
A lesser-known although no less significant item is that Paul co-wrote, with Kenny Spillman, the class Ode. I still remember the words.
No more deserving person for this weekly tribute than Paul!
Bravo!
JAR
Paul isn’t simply from Somerville-He’s is real. I’ve known him since 7th grade and with all of his ” Hollywood” success-he still calls me friend and I him. Paul, I’m so proud of you. I’m so excited to hear of the next chapter in your success.
Let us not forget Debbie Gilberg, Marcia Bean and I were your very first supporting actresses in Mrs Ferrari’s 7th grade drama club! Isn’t it just groovy! Love to you Paul, prayers for your future success…….Tammy Hughes Sullivan
Way to go, Paul. Your mom was an awesome teacher at SHS> You are a true Son of Somerville!
Very proud of my brother Paul Carafotes and all his accomplishments. Our mother Mary was a music teacher up at SHS and my sister Vicki Macrokanis and I teach at the West Somerville Neighborhood School. As teachers we were pleased when Paul became a children’s book author where he made his son Charlie the main character with the message of teaching children to be helpful, loving and kind. A much needed lesson in today’s society. Check out his book series: Charlie Bubbles especially my favorite: Charlie Bubbles Goes to Fenway