LIVINGSTON, Ala.—A former University of West Alabama tennis and football player is making a name for himself on the big screen. Stelio Savante (his last name was legally changed) came to Livingston from Cape Town, South Africa on a tennis scholarship in 1990, but through his involvement with the UWA Theatre and under the direction of James McGahey, he discovered acting to be his true passion. Savante is currently filming “Super Ex-Girlfriend” with Uma Thurmond and Luke Wilson.

“In South Africa, I didn’t grow up wanting to be an actor because there were no South African actors,” Savante said. “I credit James McGahey at UWA with giving me the acting bug.”

Savante says his extracurricular activities at UWA (then Livingston University) opened his eyes to the possibilities that awaited him in his new country.

“All of the opportunities the university offered let me know how lucky I was to be there,” he said. “The sports taught discipline and provided a great sense of camaraderie and tradition. Also, the theatre department’s commitment and passion to the process of acting had a big influence on me.”

After two years at UWA, Savante moved to New York City to pursue his dream. He has since done television, plays and film. Recently, he played the guest star lead on both “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Law & Order: SVU.” On “Law & Order: SVU,” Savante appeared as a Muslim fundamentalist opposite Golden Globe winner Mariszka Hargitay and Chris Meloni. The episode, also starring Angela Landbury and Alfred Molina, was nominated for several Emmy awards. “The Coldest Winter,” a WWII independent film in which Savante plays the lead title role, recently collected the “Best Feature Film” award at the Fargo Film Festival.  

Although more recognized for his work onscreen, Savante says his favorite role so far came in “110 Stories,” a play based on real-life accounts of 9/11. He portrayed famous photographer Bolivar Arellano, who snapped photographs at the World Trade Center the day of the terrorist attack. Savante starred opposite Susan Sarandon and John Tuturro in the play.

“This play is such a cathartic experience,” Savante said. “I have lived in New York for 14 years, so I was really affected by the attack. Researching the role with Bolivar, who saved a man’s life and took pictures of people jumping off the building, is one of my most rewarding experiences as an actor.”

James McGahey, UWA Theatre director since 1981, remembers Savante as a student who really enjoyed getting into character, even in his first roles for university productions and for the Demopolis Canebrakes Players. According to McGahey, the young athlete became seriously addicted to acting.

“He had the determination, he had the looks,” McGahey said. “We thought Stelio might make it because he wanted it so bad, maybe more than anyone who has come through here.”

Savante says he loves acting for the process, not for the money. Doing something for the right reasons will lead to success, according to him.

“I am on a pretty amazing ride. Sometimes I have to pinch myself,” Savante said. “I encourage today’s UWA students to pursue their dreams and use the gifts God has given them. They will be blessed.”

Savante feels he is truly blessed. He has the sixth largest role in “Super Ex-Girlfriend,” an Ivan Reitman comedy. Shooting for the film will continue through January, and the movie is due for release in the summer of 2006.

And after all these years, does he still play the sport that brought him to the United States?

“Of course,” he said. “But preparation for roles and filming now consumes most of my time.”

Savante doesn’t mind though. He and Carla, his wife of 14 years, are enjoying the realization of his dream of becoming a famous actor. And with his talent, tenacity and love of acting that began at the University of West Alabama, there is no looking back.