"Willie's motto was keep punching, right? So I think that's what we did."

We’re joined on the Starline by an actor, producer, writer, and voice over star. You have seen him in The Basketball Diaries, “Band of Brothers” and “The Offer”. His latest project is about the 1950’s Italian-American boxer Willie Pep in “The Featherweight”. We welcome James Madio.

James, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Pep retired in 1959, then in 1964 came back to fight Jackie Lennon. Why Willie’s story one you were so passionate about?

Over 220 wins after all his adversity, the pandemic postponed the movie from getting started. How the overcoming that adversity help you?

Why was locations in Hartford important for the story?

Which fact in Willie’s story amazes you?

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Best thing about your daughter Evelyn Rose?

2. Favorite beer to drink with a friend?

3. Best thing about a dog?

4. One person you would love to film a movie with that you haven’t before?

5. Favorite film festival?

6. Best memory at Lehman High School?

7. One thing your wife Kathryn depends on you to do?

8. Best memory of Scott Kalvert?

“I thought I was invincible. And after that was never the same” What’s the one question you would have loved to ask Willie Pep?

What’s the one mistake you do?

What do you want to tell your fans?

Why will people love “The Penguin”?

How did getting “The Featherweight” finally shot, edited and then get award after award make you feel about your tribute to boxing?

He loves the smile of his daughter, cut class in high school to take shots under the bridge and wants you to watch “The Featherweight”. James Madio, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.