Mike Dusi
Mike Dusi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | March 11, 1981 United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, producer, writer |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Known for | Mikeyboy |
| Website | Official website |
Mike Dusi (born March 11, 1981) is an American actor and producer known for his work in independent films, particularly in the comedy and action genres.[1] His most notable project is the semi-autobiographical film Mikeyboy (2013), which explores the Albanian-American immigrant experience.[2]
Early life
Dusi's family is originally from Albania.[3] He was raised in Queens, New York and lives in Los Angeles, California. He originally trained as an MCSE, but quickly dropped that when it didn't fit his active lifestyle. His cousin later introduced him to acting, but he didn't take it seriously until he moved to Los Angeles.[4]
Career
Dusi favors action and comedy films, where he makes use of his Shotokan skills.[4] Dusi's latest film is named Mikeyboy, which he produced.[2] It tells the semi-autobiographical story of an Albanian-American family who works in a pizzeria and share their modern Albanian traditions.[5] In 2011, he was associate producer on All's Faire in Love, a comedy about dueling renaissance fairs. He also began work on How Hard Can It Be, a mockumentary set in Ozone Park, Queens about a local pizzeria worker who decides to make films.[6]
Real Estate Investment
Dusi is the founder and principal of West Coast Investments, a real estate firm based in Southern California.[7] The company focuses on acquiring, renovating, and managing residential and commercial properties, particularly those considered distressed or undervalued. Its activities include property acquisition and assessment, residential redevelopment, and commercial repositioning. The firm employs a direct-to-seller acquisition strategy and has engaged in several neighborhood redevelopment projects.
Film and Media Work
Dusi has been involved in a number of independent film and media projects, including feature films, short films, and music videos.[8] He participated in the first Film Independent Movie Hackathon, where his team developed a media interface that was presented at an event hosted by the Directors Guild of America (DGA). His work in film and entertainment has been featured in outlets such as PIX11 News and The Huffington Post.[9][10]
Public Speaking
Dusi gave a TEDx talk titled Yesterday’s Dreams Are Today’s Realities, in which he spoke about entrepreneurship and personal development.[8] The talk reflected on his career in both real estate and film and discussed lessons learned through personal experience.[8]
Filmography
As Actor
- Desert of Blood (2006)
- Dorm of the Dead (2007)
- Hit and Run (2009)
- Ecommando (2010)
- Kissing Strangers (2010)
- Amy Allyson Fans (2011)
- Mikeyboy (2013)
- A Foreign Exchange Love (2014)
As Producer
- All’s Faire in Love (2009) – Associate Producer
- Mikeyboy (2013) – Producer
- How Hard Can It Be (in development) – Producer
References
- ^ "Kozeta Turishta and Lulzim Bucolli, moderators of the Albanian Film Week in New York". Telegrafi. 2016-09-13. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ^ a b "Pizza boy movie to premiere". Queens Chronicle. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ^ Zylo, Keze Kozeta (2013-10-27). "Aktori Mike Dusi midis nxënësve të shkollës shqipe në Staten Island". Illyria (in Albanian). Retrieved 2013-12-14.
- ^ a b "Hollywood Buzz: Interview with Mike Dusi". NY Elite Magazine. 2013-11-13. Archived from the original on 2013-11-27. Retrieved 2013-12-14.
- ^ Dejohn, Irving (2013-10-31). "Ozone Park pizza boy's Albanian pride set to hit big screen". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2013-12-14.
- ^ Gustafson, Anna (2011-10-27). "In Ozone Park pizza shop, a star is born". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved 2013-12-14.
- ^ "West Coast Management LLC". Connected Investors. Retrieved 2025-07-21.
- ^ a b c TEDx Talks (2015-09-01). Yesterday's Dreams are Today's Realities | Mike Dusi | TEDxPrizren. Retrieved 2025-07-21 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Mikel Dusi's Weird and Wonderful Big Fat Albanian Wedding. Not Exactly". HuffPost. 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2025-07-21.
- ^ "Queens pizza guy turns hollywood star". PIX11. 2013-11-08. Archived from the original on 2023-01-31. Retrieved 2025-07-21.