Cyril O'Reilly grew up in Claremont, California. At the age of ten Cyril's father was appointed Deputy Director for the Peace Corps, and moved his family to Somalia, West Africa. Upon his return to the US, Cyril was accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After graduation, he studied with Stella Adler, co-founded the provocative theater group: The Frances Farmer Memorial Players, won several awards for the west coast premiere of Lanford Wilson "Balm in Gilead," and starred in the Sam Shepard play "A Lie of the Mind" opposite Holly Hunter and Amy Madigan at the Mark Taper Forum.
Tall (6 foot) in the saddle, brawny, ruggedly handsome, and very much oriented towards outdoor life, actor Alex Cord became best known in Hollywood for his 60s and 70s work in action adventure. Born Alexander Viespi in Long Island, New York in 1933, he was riding horses from the age of 2. Stricken with polio at the age of 12, he was confined to a hospital and iron lung for a long period of time before he overcame the illness after being sent to a Wyoming ranch for therapy. He soon regained his dream and determination of becoming a jockey or professional horseman.
Born in Herkimer, New York, Chick Vennera's career in entertainment had an early start. Beginning dance lessons at the age of three, piano at seven, clarinet and saxophone shortly thereafter, Chick found his passion at a very young age. Chick continued his musical education throughout high school, singing and playing in nightclubs as well as school dances. Upon graduation, Chick left New York bound for California to study acting at the esteemed Pasadena Playhouse.
