Initially torn in two seemingly antithetical directions, Surmelis found a way to merge his two passions---acting and designing---as an affable personality on various home-improvement reality shows including
Clean Sweep,
Merge and
24 Hour Design. Raised in Greece until age 6 when his family relocated to Chicago, he showed an aptitude for design early on by rearranging the furniture in his home. Also intrigued by performing, he pursued both interests as an adult, studying design at college and acting at Chicago's acclaimed Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. While he enjoyed minor showbiz success, snagging bit parts on TV and stage roles, he came into his own as a designer when he launched the firm Swell Space. In 2003, he made his debut as himself on
Clean Sweep, which showcased his talents as both a visual and performing artist. And in 2008, he again offered his expertise to HGTV on the home-improvement series
Rate My Space.
Angelo Surmelis Fast Facts:
- Though born in Germany, he lived in Greece until he was 6, then moved to Canada briefly, and finally settled in Chicago.
- Discovered his talent for design as early as age 6, when he would rearrange the furniture in his parents' apartment.
- Once played tennis star Andre Agassi in a Saturday Night Live skit; has also appeared on TV on the soap Port Charles, sitcom Spin City and Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff Angel.
- Runs his own design company, called angelo:HOME.
- Angelo Surmelis Relationships:
- Christos Sourmelis - Brother
- Olympia Sourmelis - Mother
- George Sourmelis - Father
- College:
- Attended Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL