Micole Diana Mercurio was born on March 10, 1938, in Chicago to Mary and Michael Mercurio, a proud Italian-American family. As the firstborn of her generation, she basked in the attention of her loving relatives, who cherished her as a beautiful and vibrant child. Her father, a former captain in the Italian Army, later served as a private in the American Army, demonstrating his dedication to his country and family. Her mother, a hardworking woman, played a crucial role in Micole's upbringing.
As a child, Micole was blessed with a loving family environment, which enabled her to flourish. She grew up, married a local boy, and had four children, who brought immense joy to her life. However, tragedy struck when one of her children fell victim to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS),a devastating loss that tested her resilience. Despite this heartbreak, Micole persevered, enduring more challenges until she made the bold decision to move to California.
In her new home, Micole pursued a series of jobs to make ends meet, including stints at a magazine, as a legal assistant, and in the entertainment industry. She also pursued her passion for acting, studying with renowned coach Milton Katselas and working as an "intern" in lieu of tuition. Micole's unwavering dedication and perseverance paid off, as she eventually earned her AFTRA and SAG cards.
Throughout her acting career, Micole faced numerous rejections, particularly due to Hollywood's bias against women over 40. However, she refused to give up, drawing upon her emotional history to bring depth and range to her performances. In addition to her acting work, Micole taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to adults at night and auditioned during the day.
After formally retiring from film, television, and theater, Micole dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation of actors. She coached new talent, continued to teach, and volunteered at a rehabilitation facility, driving hours round trip to reach her destination. Her selflessness, kindness, and generosity inspired those around her, earning her the respect and admiration of her peers.
As a testament to her remarkable life, Micole left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and tears. Her passing will be deeply felt by all who knew her, but her memory will continue to inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams, just as she did.
