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Impressionist with more than 100 voices, such as Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, President George W. Bush
Known as “The Man of a Thousand Faces”
Has appeared in Hollywood movies and programs: The Buddy Holly Story, David Letterman, The Tonight Show
Wife: Lois; two grown sons
Fred was born in New York and grew up in Long Island. He was raised in the Catholic church and later came to know Jesus as his personal savior.
He attributes his creative talents to his Italian-Irish heritage. The Travalena family gatherings often centered around music, comedy, and acting. This fueled Fred's passion for entertaining.
During his time in the Army, Fred won All-Army Entertainment award for best singer. He originally pursued a career in commercial art, but this choice was superseded by a strong interest in singing.
Fred decided to add character portrayals in his musical repertoire because of the stiff music competition in the singing business. He delights audiences with impersonations of hundreds of highly visible public figures and has earned the name of "the Man of a Thousand Faces."
Fighting Personal Battles
In 2002 Fred's life took a different turn. Feeling great and working on a TV project, Fred noticed a rise in his abdomen about the size of a loaf of bread. He thought he pulled a muscle and went to the doctor. After examining X-rays, the doctor concluded that he had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
After starting chemotherapy, Fred was invited to a Benny Hinn healing crusade. By chance, Fred was seated in the front row when Benny called Fred out of the audience to pray for him. Even through his next few months of chemo, losing his hair, and losing his voice, Fred still believed he would be healed. After one month of chemo, Fred's medical examination showed that the growth was nearly gone! "This was a time that I got close to the Lord," says Fred. During chemotherapy, Fred would bring his Bible and read Scriptures, especially the ones related to healing, particularly Mark 11:23. Soon doctors declared Fred disease free.
About five months later, doctors determined that Fred's PSA count was going up. After testing, doctors told Fred that he had prostate cancer and needed surgery. "I immediately went into terror mode until I was reminded of my faith," says Fred.
Doctors got all of the cancer during surgery. Now Fred gets shots and is monitored about every nine months. "Cancer is not a death sentence," says Fred. "Prayer works."
Along with medical supervision, Fred makes a concious decision to change his eating habits and to exercise, both of which he believes contribute to his healthy lifestyle.
Fred is on tour and working on various projects, including three ABC Family Channel specials.
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