Who would have imagined the long winding road of Brian Banowetz; born
into a dairy farm family of strict German descended Catholic parents.
The second eldest of seven girls and two boys, he grew to know
discipline and responsibility well. Being deeply religious and socially
conscious, his friends commented that Brian, "someday looks to be going
into the seminary to become a priest." In truth, it did cross his mind
as he respected the pastor of the local parish in Preston, Iowa but
rather opted for a life-long pursuit of becoming, he says,
"well-rounded." This resulted in Brian embarking on a splintering array
of studies and a variety of military experiences.
After high school he simultaneously juggled the rigors of university
(including time at Iowa State Univ.; Waseda Univ. - Tokyo; and USC in
Los Angeles) with eventually becoming a California National Guard
Sergeant. Throughout, he culminated it all into gaining not only
proficient Japanese but also a degree in International Relations at
University of Southern California. Over the years he never lost focus
on performing arts study and acting, as he accumulated experience on
the go including a TV debut in 1990 on "Night Court".
From early on, Brian's stage acting experience in school (ex "Titus" in
The Curious Savage) gave him a 'bug' that has never subsided. The
performance roots and confidence he received then from the compliments
of fellow actors/instructors gave him the push to keep on keeping on.
After years of building "well-roundedness", Brian says he, "has
arrived." Now, wielding focus and commitment, he says, (admiring what
Oprah Winfrey suggests) "I want to live and work in the industry using
my authentic power for living my best life." He certainly is on his
way, as a recent fury of study, time in front of the camera, and
international travel experience throughout a number of countries has
given him the perspective to make him capable, hence, attractive for
being entrusted to engage in bigger and better roles.
