Background
Kenny Kassel has been involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years and in the entertainment industry for over 15 years. Kenny had been training with weights since he was 14 years old. He was lucky enough to have learned how to properly work out from legendary bodybuilders like Tom Platz, Danny Padilla, Robby Robinson, Leon Brown, and Pete Grymkowski, while visiting California in the 1970s.
After starting a gym, he began training many bodybuilders, and specializing with the women, starting around 1981. Kenny also had some of the professional athletes in his native NY area, such as members of the NY Yankees training in his gym. He worked with several members of the 1986 Super Bowl Champion NY Giants.
His foray into the entertainment industry began when he started Beauti-Fit Talent Agency, in order to start and nurture the careers of model Raye Hollitt, who became a star of the popular television show "American Gladiators." Kenny also worked with several women who were bodybuilders and were marketable and helped them find work doing guest performances, and receiving major media coverage.
Kenny has managed 1989 National bodybuilding Champion Sharon Marvel, and later on managed 2000 Ms. Olympia Valentina Chepiga. In the early 1990s a friend who was a trainer and had moved out to California to train film stars introduced Kenny to 11-time World Kickboxing Champion Don "The Dragon" Wilson, who had already starred in over 20 action films.
Don had needed some fitness people for an upcoming film, and Kenny was able to provide what he needed. Their friendship turned into an opportunity, when Don asked Kenny to be his business manager.
Kenny has done some casting work for Don's last 7 films, and has done casting for film and television projects for other producers, as well. Kenny is a mentor now for many women who compete in fitness/figure/bodybuilding, and he does seminars dispensing information about how to market yourself, and how to break into the entertainment industry.
Kenny has recently become bi-coastal, splitting time between Tenafly, NJ and his second home in Palm Desert, Ca. He can be reached via e-mail at: Beautifit@aol.com.
He can be contacted at Beautifit@aol.com.
Articles :: Sorted By Date
A Guide To Fame And Fortune Through Fitness!
I'm proud to announce I will be writing a monthly column on Bodybuilding.com and will present issues about entering into the fitness and entertainment industry. To learn more about this fun and demanding career path read on...
Section: Contests :: Jun 20, 2006
A Guide To Fame And Fortune Through Fitness, Part 2!
The next part of successfully entering the fitness and entertainment industry is having great photographs. Learn more about what casting directors, producers, and directors will be looking for in a great photo!
Section: Contests :: Jul 03, 2006
A Guide To Fame And Fortune Through Fitness, Part 3: Finding An Agent - Managers Versus Agents!
In the entertainment industry it is extremely important to network and get to know the people that will get you jobs. In this article I am going to detail three types of agents, what and when they get paid, and much more! Read on...
Section: Contests :: Jul 26, 2006
Ms. Olympia Lenda Murray - In The Right Place At The Right Time!
I have often talked in my seminars and to people individually about the importance of being in the right place at the right time... This and networking are what you want to be successful. Learn more right here!
Section: Contests :: Aug 29, 2006
Creating An Image: Setting & Accomplishing Realistic Goals!
Perhaps the most important decision you will make is how you will approach the industry in terms of the image you want to project. Let's take a closer look at some of those options, with examples... Read on and see where you fit.
Section: Mind :: Sep 19, 2006
Resumes & Comp Cards - What To Put On Them And What Not To Include!
As a newcomer to entertainment you will be trying to get jobs in modeling or smaller roles in commercials, film or television. Get some tips on what is important to have and not have on Resumes & Comp Cards.
Section: Contests :: Nov 06, 2006
A Guide To Fame And Fortune Through Fitness: Getting Compensated For Acting And Modeling Jobs!
Okay, you have made it through the audition process and now earning your first big job. We are going to talk about how you get compensated for that job. We will talk about print modeling jobs, commercials, and acting jobs.
Section: Contests :: Jan 03, 2007
A Guide To Fame And Fortune Through Fitness: The Audition Process.
Today I am going to explain about the process, and give you tips to getting that edge on the other actors who will compete against you to get that part or commercial. Find out more right here.
Section: Contests :: Jan 17, 2007
A Guide To Fame And Fortune Through Fitness: Networking 101.
One of the most important skills that everyone needs in life is networking, which is a part of the ability to communicate with other people. Find some invaluable tips and suggestions right here for getting over your fear of meeting new people!
Section: Contests :: Apr 19, 2007
A Guide To Fame And Fortune Through Fitness: Networking 101, Part 2.
Networking is a skill that is important if you want to be successful in life. Some people are naturally good at it, while others are not so good. Find some invaluable tips and suggestions right here for getting over your fear of meeting new people!
Section: Training :: Aug 06, 2007
Dealing With Rejection In The Entertainment Industry!
In the entertainment industry, there is only one thing that is certain: rejection. Get in-depth details about rejection, and tips on how to not only deal with it, but possibly turn a negative into a positive situation. Learn more.
Section: Mind :: May 01, 2008
