BIOGRAPHY
This multitalented artist has been a familiar face on South African television screens since 2003, with a memorable role on SA’s favorite soapie, Generations. However it was Antonio's break through performance in an episode of Fox's New York Undercover entitled "Toy Soldiers" set the tone for the success's that followed. Since his role on NY Undercover, a successful domino effect has landed him roles on other drama series such as CBS's "The District" and "The Agency", FOX's "24", ABC's "The Practice" and "Philly" and ABC’s “Karen Sisco”
Antonio most recent works include: the highly anticipated film, “Night Drive”, The SABC sitcom, “Ga Re Dumele”, “Fourplay” (ETV), the TNT movie, “Avenger, the HBO series “Generation Kill” and the Paul Ruven film, “Surprise”. As well as South African Series “Ubizo”, “Jozi-H”, “Snitch”, “Home Affairs” and the Soapies “Scandal” and "Generations", where he played the role of Lolo Grey. September 2005 marked the release of the Robert K. Townsend film, “False Prophets". In 2004 Antonio shot the much acclaimed Terry George Film “Hotel Rwanda”, with Don Cheadle, Nick Nolte and Leleti Khumalo in Johannesburg, South Africa. 2003 saw the release of the Larry Charles film Masked and Anonymous, with Jessica Lange, John Goodman and Bob Dylan. Antonio's other film credits include New Line Cinema's "American History X", Artisan's "The Substitute II" and Paramount Pictures "The Sum of All Fears".
Starting out, Antonio simultaneously worked and trained with the Billie Holiday Theatre where he landed his first professional role as "Spike", in "Lotto". Antonio's other NY credits include: "Erry in "Splash Hatch On The E Going Down" (NY Stage & Film) which received rave reviews, "Medea" (African Globe), "Titus Andronicus", "As You Like It " and "Oroonoko" (The Mint Theatre). In New York he also worked as an actor/teacher for the Creative Arts Team (CAT) at NYU, where he was immersed in change behavior work as it relates to conflict resolution and HIV/AIDS issues.
In addition to be an accomplished actor, Antonio is also a prolific writer who has penned numerous poems several plays and short film scripts. His most recent play, We are Here is a one-man play written by poet/actor/activist Antonio David Lyons. The script consists of sixteen sketches that express the diversity of male voices specifically in the context of gender relations and within the issue of woman and child abuse. We Are Here acknowledges that there are many ways to start a dialogue around violence, and one of them is through exploring the little-heard perspectives of men. We Are Here, was most recently staged at Space.com/Joburg Theatre under the direction of Warona Seane, during The Sixteen Days of Activism 2010. The play has also been performed at the MenEngage Africa Symposium and in workshops through out Kwa Zulu Natal. The play was developed in collaboration with director Lindiwe Matshikiza.
His career continues to evolve with the added dimension of poetic house artist and lyricist. His signature voice and words are featured on the introduction to “Total Bliss” with Azania on Metro FM (9am- 12pm/daily). Currently his singles; “Night Shift” (G Family) “High Stepping Lady” (DJ Brett Jackson) are climbing international charts. “Saturday Night" (Dj Fresh/Definition of House) released on the Undo label was the first track to make international waves in 2005. While the singles “My House” (Revolution), “Body Poetry” (Iggy Smallz/Smallz Sweet Soundz), “Mbuso's Revenge 2005” (Dj Mbuso presents Maf&So), “Iggy’s Song” (Revolution) and “Blue Bass” (Musa Manzini) are doing well locally. He has also penned lyrics for songstresses Andile and Jolene. In 2007 he released is solo project “Human Jewels”.
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