Picture an aspiring actor who stumbled into Hollywood’s quirkiest cult phenomenon—meet Greg Sestero! Born in 1978, this French-American talent is best known for his role as Mark in the gloriously chaotic 2003 film The Room, often dubbed the 'Citizen Kane of bad movies.' But Sestero’s story doesn’t stop at acting; his bestselling memoir, The Disaster Artist, turned his behind-the-scenes adventures with eccentric director Tommy Wiseau into a literary and cinematic triumph.
From modeling in Milan to penning a New York Times bestseller, Sestero’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable magic of chasing dreams in Tinseltown. Let’s dive into the life of this multifaceted storyteller whose tale of friendship and filmmaking has captivated audiences worldwide.
The Making of Greg Sestero
Greg Sestero was born on July 15, 1978, in Walnut Creek, California, to a mother of French and Sicilian descent. Raised in Danville, California, he attended Monte Vista High School, where his creative spark ignited early. At just 12, Sestero wrote a screenplay for a sequel to Home Alone, titled Home Alone 2: Lost in Disney World, complete with a role for himself alongside Macaulay Culkin. He boldly sent it to John Hughes, earning a commendatory letter—a hint of his future ambition. By 17, Sestero was modeling for designers like Armani in Milan and Paris, but acting was his true calling. He studied at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, landing small roles in films like Patch Adams and TV shows like Nash Bridges before fate led him to The Room.
Greg Sestero’s Unforgettable Stories
Sestero’s most iconic contribution to pop culture is his role in The Room, a 2003 film written, directed, and starring Tommy Wiseau. Initially expecting it to be a direct-to-video flop, Sestero played Mark, the best friend to Wiseau’s Johnny, in a production riddled with bizarre dialogue and nonsensical plotlines. The film’s abysmal debut—grossing just $1,800 against a $6 million budget—morphed into cult stardom, with fans throwing plastic spoons and quoting lines like 'Oh, hi, Mark' at midnight screenings worldwide.
In 2013, Sestero channeled this chaos into The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made, co-written with Tom Bissell. The memoir, a hilarious and heartfelt account of his friendship with Wiseau and the film’s disastrous production, hit the New York Times Bestseller List and won Best Non-Fiction at the 2014 National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards. Its 2017 film adaptation, directed by James Franco and starring Dave Franco as Sestero, earned an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Sestero also wrote and starred in Best F(r)iends (2018), reuniting with Wiseau, and made his directorial debut with Miracle Valley (2022), a horror film about a photographer facing sinister forces in the desert. His work blends humor, sincerity, and a knack for turning absurdity into art.
Why Greg Sestero Matters
Greg Sestero’s impact lies in his ability to transform a cinematic misfire into a cultural touchstone. The Room and The Disaster Artist celebrate the underdog spirit, showing how passion, however misguided, can resonate globally. His memoir offers a rare glimpse into Hollywood’s fringes, inspiring aspiring artists to embrace their quirks. Sestero’s ongoing projects, from horror films to potential UFO movies with Wiseau, prove his versatility and enduring appeal in a niche yet devoted fanbase.
- Born: July 15, 1978, Walnut Creek, California
- Key Works: The Room (2003), The Disaster Artist (2013), Best F(r)iends (2018), Miracle Valley (2022)
- Awards: Best Non-Fiction, National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards (2014); Audie Award nominee for Best Humor Audiobook (2015)
Snag The Disaster Artist and dive into Greg Sestero’s wild, heartfelt world of Hollywood dreams and unlikely friendships!