Actor and rapper from city both step up to bigger stages

Daniel Rios has that gangster look that filmmakers love, and it has earned him some face time as an extra in major movies shot in Pittsburgh.

So far, the Youngstown native has appeared — or will appear — in well over a dozen films, including “Warrior,” “I Am Number Four,” “Batman: The Dark Knight Rises,” “New York Heartbeat” and “Steel Town.” He also was an extra in an episode of “The Sopranos.”

Rios owns a lawn-service company in Youngstown and has been acting on the side for the fun of it. He’s only been at it for five years, but his avocation got a big boost recently in the form of his first speaking role.

Rios has a very small part in “Abduction,” which will be released Friday. Ironically, he plays an airport claims-check officer — a lawman of sorts and the opposite of his usual character.

He’s in one scene where he interacts with the character played by Taylor Lautner, the film’s star.

Rios always has been a movie fan, but the only acting he ever did was in productions at his church, Everlife Assembly of God (he played Jesus in a play at Powers Auditorium seven years ago). He got serious about it when he auditioned for a commercial five years ago. He didn’t get the part, but he did get a callback, which led him to believe that he has what it takes.

“Everybody tells me, ‘You’ve got that suave gangster look,’” said Rios, who already has lined up another acting job in the movie “One Shot,” starring Tom Cruise, which will be shot in Pittsburgh next month.

THROWBACK TO OPEN SHOW FOR WIZ KHALIFA AT COVELLI

Youngstown rapper Throwback, aka, Jon Tepper, will be an opening act for Pittsburgh’s Wiz Khalifa at Covelli Centre on Wednesday, and he’s understandably thrilled for the opportunity.

Throwback — who was an opener for Snoop Dogg at Club Gossip not so long ago — and Wiz actually came through the ranks together, sharing the same tour manager until Wiz hit the big time.

In fact, Throwback’s new single, “Was It,” features Wiz.

How did that happen?

“[Wiz and I] had, and still have, a good working relationship,” said Throwback. “I showed [my tour manager] the song, and we sent the unfinished song to Wiz so he could record his verse. He loved it, and within a few days, I had the completed song in my email. And working with Wiz is always a pleasurable experience. We share a lot of the same interests and qualities, so working together is a breeze.”

Throwback isn’t sure if his relationship with Wiz helped him get the opener slot, but it probably didn’t hurt.

Next up for Throwback will be a mix tape titled “Hello & Goodbye.” He’s also working on a new album with Block Starz Music that will be shopped around to major record labels.

“Was It” can be purchased on iTunes. To learn more, go to throwbackent.com.

‘PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’ BROADCAST AT TINSELTOWN

Tinseltown in Boardman is among the movie theaters nationwide that will show a special live broadcast of a production of “The Phantom of the Opera.”

The live simulcast will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 2, with additional showings at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 6 and 11.

It’s part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the lavish mega-blockbuster Broadway musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh. It will be broadcast live from London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Tickets are available at the Tinseltown box office and at FathomEvents.com.

Youngstown hip-hop act GETS AWARDS-SHOW HONOR

Youngstown hip-hop act Skully will perform at the Ohio Hip Hop Awards on Saturday at the COSI science center in Columbus. Skully was the show’s competition showcase tour winners for Youngstown.

The group of Chaney High graduates consists of Da Kid Loyal, aka Cameron Lewis; WiL’i (William Jackson); iBdrumm da Great (Brandon Drummer) and Mufasa (Glen Gunther).

To learn more, go to ohiohiphopawards.com.