Actor Frank Grillo landed in Hollywood on the wing of a really lucky coincidence. He grew up in Upstate New York and although he dabbled in high school plays, he eventually pursued a career in business, graduating with a degree from New York University. While working on Wall Street, he had a chance encounter with a casting director who ended up casting him in a commercial for Miller Genuine Draft. And so began his new career — Grillo ended up starring in over 20 commercials for popular brands like American Express and Kraft Macaroni.
His first notable role outside of advertising came in 1996, when he starred in the popular daytime soap The Guiding Light as Hart Jessup. Although he went on to appear in supporting roles in films and television, his next big gig was as Officer Paul Jackson on the six-time Emmy-winning series The Shield in 2002, followed by the role of Nick Savrinn on the show Prison Break. Grillow can most recently be seen starring in the thriller The Grey alongside Liam Neeson. He also has four more films lined up for a 2012 release: Lay the Favorite, End of Watch, Disconnect, and The Gangster Squad.
Grillo is married to actress Wendy Moniz. They live with their three sons in Los Angeles and New York.