Actor, model, singer, at only 17, Peter Cestaro is only beginning his journey as an entertainer. Detailing his diverse resume, Cestaro has appeared in series such as Orange Is The New Black, Power, The Blacklist and much more. His modeling catalogue includes representing brands such as DKNY during New York fashion. His music background is complex, having connections to hip-hop with artists like French Montana, while crediting early influences by greats like Frank Sinatra. The Connecticut native also integrates musical acumen towards his longing for public service and volunteering. He also plays the piano at senior living homes. Cestaro also works with the CT food pantry providing for the homeless. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Peter Cestaro.

Where are you based?
I was born and raised in East Haven, Connecticut. I record all my music in New York.

How did you get interested in making music?
I have been making music for as long as I can remember. I grew up listening and singing along to oldies like Frank Sinatra.

Can you talk about some of your stylistic influences?
In the fashion industry, it would definitely have to be Philipp Plein. I am always looking at his inventory and his newest sneakers. He has amazing style and designs.

In the music industry, I look up to French Montana and his style. I personally know one of his past stylists @frostoriginals and got to see the behind-the-scenes in the industry.

What are some of your earliest music memories?
I was about seven years old, I was getting ready to perform at my first recital. When I started out, the entire auditorium was pitch black and I had to sit on the edge of the stage. The song I sang was “Billionaire”. Right when the music started, they flashed a huge spotlight on me, I started singing while sitting down, and then I got up and walked the stage while I sang. When the lights went on, and I looked out into the audience, there were 2000 seats filled with people. I will always remember that feeling. I had a rush of excitement. I did not expect to see that many people. I will never forget that moment.

You act, sing, and model while attending high school (including extracurricular activities). How do you find a balance between all these activities? Do you have a favorite?
School is very important to me. I go to a private school called Notre Dame High School. I get High Honors. I practice and write music seven days a week. When you’re doing something you love, you can never get enough. I have to live by a schedule if I want to fit everything in. I eat clean, and make sure my meals are timed through the day. I do an hour of exercise every day. During school track season my days are a lot longer. Sometimes I go to the studio for three straight days on the weekend or on my school days off. I have an amazing team that is very respectful about my education.

Can you talk about your new single “What You Want”? What was the inspiration behind the track?
The weekend I recorded “What You Want” I was in the studio with my entire team. We recorded six songs in three days. We had three different writers giving ideas, so all the songs did not sound the same, they all had a different vibe.

You made a few cameos on series like ‘Orange Is The New Black’, in addition to having your own Amazon Reality Show. How did you get interested in the acting side of entertainment?
I was young when I worked on “Orange is the New Black.”

I love being on set. I can’t wait to land a big role. They treat you amazing, they have the best breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. I am only allowed to miss five days per semester at school, so that limited my auditioning. This past year, I did land a back to school JC Penny commercial, I worked on NBC on the Blacklist, and I brought all of my boys to work a basketball scene on Power on Starz. (I helped them all get Temp work permits). We all had a BLAST.

Can you tell us a bit about your show?
We have been filming for our new reality show “Next Big Thing” since February at New York fashion week. It was a group of up and coming teens, that knew each other from the industry., who are all working hard towards STARDOM. The show has a lot of drama, and excitement. We really have a lot of fun filming, being ourselves and didn’t realize how much drama was in our lives until we captured it on camera.

Can you talk about your work advocating for the Special Olympics? Why is this important to you?
My cousin, Brad, has a developmental disability. He is 21 and needs line of sight supervision and I enjoy hanging out with him. It is constant incidental teaching. I help my aunt whenever she needs it. I have performed at Dream Ride, in Farmington Connecticut for Special Olympics. It is a rewarding feeling volunteering.

It’s great that you’re heavily involved in your community. How was your experience working with the CT food pantry and giving back to the homeless?
My grandmother, Janet, works the community kitchen in our local town. I help them whenever they need extra hands. They have a local thrift store, and they put together a fashion show for the store. I am always sure to participate, by modeling, singing, playing the piano, and donating my own clothes to this show.

Jejune loves that you used to play piano at senior living homes. Are you finding ways to stay in contact with these people during these times?
Visitors are not allowed at the homes at this time. I do have a Great Gram that is 101. We make sure she sees everything I am working on. My mother will bring her over the computer, when we grocery shop for her, and keep her up to date with all my videos. It helps her pass the quarantine time and she really enjoys watching everything.

Nursing homes have been some of the most heavily affected areas during COVID. What would you like to see changed in nursing homes to make them safer environments?
I believe the nursing homes are doing their best. They are the hardest hit in my community.

How are you staying positive during shelter in place?
We are lucky, I have a big family, and we have been working on so many home projects. There is alway so much going on at my house. I’m using quarantine to my advantage. I started working out a lot, being trained by my brother-in-law. I am writing a lot of new music. I am teaching myself guitar from the Internet.

What is your motto in life?
Don’t adapt to the energy in the room, INFLUENCE The ENERGY in the ROOM🎯

To learn more about Peter Cestaro please follow him via the below platforms:
YouTube: Peter Cestaro
INSTAGRAM: PeterCestaro
Twitter: PeterCestaro
Tiktok: petercestaro21

Photography credit Brett Martelli.

Peter Cestaro: R&B's Young Efforts to Give Back