Politicians and government officials are each a kind of celebrity. It's not about having the perfect track or perfecting the scene, it's about getting the right soundbite and passing the right bill. But some of them paused for recognition in popular culture before mustering up the courage to run for office or run the State Department.
Some lawmakers have hinted that prolonged work can be tiring, but it's definitely better than a callback. Several members dabbled in music, television, and the arts before or during their current positions. Typically, we focus on big names involved in New York's political scene, but here are some politicians and officials who have shined outside of hearings and sessions.
“13 Monthly Listener Award” – Antonio Delgado
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado is not only one of the state's tallest legislators. Before his election, he was experimenting with hip-hop, which was exposed during his 2018 run for Congress, and a prominent political scientist was called in to analyze it. Was Delgado planning on going to the Grammys? Probably not. But for those who want a peek at his work, he's available on his Spotify as “AD the Voice.”
“Best Cameo” – Jeffrey Dinowitz
Congressman Jeffrey Dinowitz is primarily known for his prominent role in Bronx politics. But decades ago, Dinowitz faced off on screen with actor Ralph Fiennes. In 2002's Made in Manhattan, he recreated the consultation on how MPs should view and play the role of “Member Grey,” the politician Fiennes' character hoped to gain support. did. “I guess they thought I had something,” he told the New York Times before the film's premiere.
“Guitar Teaching Award” – Justin Brannan
New York City Councilman Justin Brannan knows a thing or two about disrupting the status quo in politics and music. Before moving his life into public service, Brannan was active as a guitarist in New York City's hardcore punk scene from the 1990s to his early 20s, co-founding the bands Indeciion and Most Precious Blood. . Although not a household name by any means, his band's influence is still felt and etched for fans of the genre.
“A Booked and Busy Award” – Roberta Reardon
State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon has a past as an actor, appearing in countless commercials, television shows and plays before rising to a leadership position with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. She became co-president of SAG-AFTRA when that organization merged with the Screen Actors Guild, and she was later selected by then-Gov. As for her current role, Andrew Cuomo. If you can appear in 50 commercials a year, you can probably keep New York's labor policy stable.
