Buddy Valastro (Cake Boss)
Buddy Valastro is an accomplished fourth generation baker born into the business owned and operated by his parents. Buddy grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey in an old-fashioned Italian family. He showed a flair for cake decorating at an early age.
At the age of 17, Buddy's father died. Suddenly, the only son had to take on the responsibilities of the patriarch. He thrived under pressure. With the help of his family, Buddy has taken Carlo's Bakery to new heights.
Today Buddy oversees the day-to-day operations of the bakery. That entails managing over-the-top bridezillas, dealing with unreliable suppliers and late deliveries, addressing complaints of walk-in customers, drumming up new business and keeping the peace in his family while executing hundreds of elegant cakes. Buddy has a big personality and an even bigger heart. He is the glue that keeps the family together.
Buddy is married to Lisa Valastro and they have three children; Sofia (5), Buddy Jr. (4) and Marco (2). When he's not at the bakery, Buddy loves nothing more than spending time with his family. He also enjoys bowling and fishing.
Kathy Buckley
Gifted comedienne, award-winning actress, accomplished author, and renowned inspirational speaker Kathy Buckley is a force like no other. Billed as "America's First Hearing Impaired Comedienne", Kathy is also a 5-time American Comedy Award Nominee as Best Stand-Up Female Comedienne.
As a motivational speaker, she inspires hundreds of thousands of people around the world, sharing her story of overcoming some of the most difficult obstacles one can imagine in life, and how she met those challenges with dignity, courage, and laughter. Kathy’s book, If You Could Hear What I See, will have you laughing and crying as you experience the amazing story of her life.
Her highly acclaimed autobiographical theatre play, Now Hear This! had its Off-Broadway premiere at New York’s Lamb’s Theatre, and not only brought the comic actress a legion of faithful new fans, but a wealth of critical praise from New York media. The production (originally titled Don’t Buck With Me!), won Kathy and the show the distinguished Los Angeles Theater Ovation Award for Best Writing of a World Premiere Play or Musical and the Los Angeles entertainment industry’s coveted Media Access Award as Best Play of the Year.
Kathy soon began touring the U.S. as a stand-up comedian, and in record time she became one of the most popular comediennes in the country. Her hearing impairment, however, is only one of the many hurdles Kathy has encountered in her life. During her late teens, Kathy's life was interrupted when she was run over by a jeep while sunbathing on a beach. As a result, she experienced intermitted paralysis in her legs. Her recovery took almost five years. Then, just six years later, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Undaunted, she has turned roadblocks into springboards, using her personal experience as launching pads for humor and the education of others. She was selected from among hundreds of performers to showcase her talents at The National Association for Campus Activities Convention. That appearance made her a favorite of the college campus circuit.
Kathy's popular appeal, unique persona, and refreshing sense of humor also landed her appearances on The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Entertainment Tonight, and Geraldo. She has been featured in several national magazines, including People as one of their most touching stories of 1997. She has performed on shows such as Stand-Up Spotlight (VH-1), Comic Strip Live (FOX), and Evening at the Improv (A&E) to name just a few. She was included in the E! Entertainment Television Special, The World's Most Intriguing Women. Kathy was also the focus of I Can Hear the Laughter, an Emmy award-winning documentary. Although she regularly receives national media attention, Kathy is more than just a popular comic. Her humor has a higher purpose. "My comedy disarms people," says Kathy. "I love to make people laugh, but I love it even more if I can teach them something at the same time."
Kathy Demo