As a Queens, NY resident and long-time Broadway actor, I hold the record for the longest continuous run of any Broadway actor in history without a break. Starting with my appearance in Cats in 1994, I left for The Phantom of the Opera in 1998 and held Phantom roles in each of the following 25 years until the show’s close.
I suffered several falls while performing during my career, requiring surgeries at HSS for rotator cuff and elbow injuries. Upon my retirement last year, I decided to address the right shoulder pain that had bothered me for years. I approached Samuel A. Taylor, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS. Given the degenerative state of my shoulder, I learned from Dr. Taylor that I would need reverse shoulder replacement surgery. Dr. Taylor performed the surgery at the HSS Main Campus in New York City in July 2024. Within just three months, my right shoulder felt better than it had in years, and I was soon able to fully extend my arm above my head.
During a recent patient evaluation, I unveiled a personalized gift for Dr. Taylor: a tattoo which I designed and had an artist apply to my repaired shoulder featuring a monogram of the surgeon’s initials.
Dr. Taylor literally changed my life, and this tattoo was the best way I could think of to say thank you. I have been incredibly blessed with the longevity of my career. The tattoo reflects my struggles and my journey. It reminds me of where I have been and where I am now. Thanks to Dr. Taylor and HSS, I now feel like a totally new person and no longer need to worry about pain.
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