Andrew Fognani was born in Denver, Colorado, and after completing his degree in finance with accounting from the University of South Carolina, he embarked on a journey to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting.
It was in Los Angeles that Fognani discovered another passion and decided to train to become a mixed martial artist. He spent time in Thailand studying the art of Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu, and his hard work paid off when he won a gold medal at the 2007 Southeast Asian Grappling Games in Bangkok.
However, after suffering injuries and undergoing surgeries, Fognani came to the conclusion that his adventure pursuing fighting had come to an end. He continues to train for the sheer pleasure of it.
Fognani then turned his attention to his acting career, studying at The Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre, The Meisner Center, The Will Wallace Acting Company, Joseph Pearlman, LA On Camera, and Amy Lyndon.
During his studies, Fognani decided to combine his business acumen with his artistic side to produce, as well as act, and started the production company Unfiltered Productions. This led to the making of Reign, the story of an American soldier who is forever changed by an encounter with an Iraqi woman who survives a deadly skirmish.
The film, written and directed by Kimberly Jentzen, was shot with Academy Award-nominated Cinematographer, Jack N. Green, and Academy Award-winning Sound Mixer, David MacMillan. Produced by Unfiltered Productions and First Tooth Productions, Reign made the festival circuit, winning Best Short and Audience Choice Awards at the New York International Independent Film Festival and the Louisville International Festival of Film, among others.
Fognani continued to hone his craft, working on various short films and other projects. He then co-produced and played the role of Billy in the feature "Red Wing," directed by his good friend and colleague Will Wallace, Executive Produced by Terrence Malick and Ed Pressman, starring Bill Paxton, Luke Perry, Frances Fisher, Joel Carter, and Glenn Powell.
Currently, Fognani is working on a number of different projects and is expanding his filmmaking skills and knowledge by creating two food travel shows. These shows have pushed him to work in areas of the filmmaking process that he never had to before.
Fognani's passions have led him around the world, where he is constantly humbled by the diversity life has to offer. He is a foodie and loves family, friends, food, the outdoors, fitness, music, thrill-seeking, and much more, allowing him to live life fully and enjoy the journey.
