By Carol Ann Benanti
Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The story behind Staten Island’s stories It’s no secret that New York City firefighters have been known to multi-task - but it’s not every day that one of New York’s Bravest — hits the big screen.
Meet Eltingville’s Darryl Adone, a city firefighter at Ladder 132, Brooklyn who made his movie debut in “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” Adam Sandler’s newest flick, where Adone plays himself — inasmuch as he’s been cast in the role of a firefighter in the Prospect Heights Engine 280/Ladder 132. Note that the on screen firehouse has been renamed Engine 506/Ladder 223.
Film director Dennis Dugan points out that Engine 280/Ladder 132 was the perfect firehouse in which to shoot the film since the Prospect Heights house carries with it an abundant history — as well as wear and tear - the characteristics screenwriters were looking to capture in the screenplay.
With no prior experience in show business, Adone was hand-picked, read for bigwigs and was required to go through all the formalities that a screen test entails — before he made the cut. Then, before he knew what hit him he was whisked off to Hollywood to portray his real life role — and can be seen driving the rig in the side-splitting comedy.
For those who have yet to see the film, the storyline is of two straight, single Brooklyn firefighters played by Adam Sandler and Kevin James, who pretend to be a gay couple in order to receive domestic partner benefits. It seems that no one catches on until a spot checking official becomes suspicious and all goes from private to public. Chuck and Larry then plow their way through a slew of harrowing situations that lead them to learn that in trying times, sticking together through thick and thin — is what life is all about.
Interestingly, Adone even got to walk the red carpet at both the New York and Los Angeles premieres - at which time he couldn’t have been more proud of the city fire department - and his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Working next to actors such as Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Dan Ackroyd and many more - are moments that will never be forgotten,” says Adone.
“I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” is playing in theaters across the country.
Copyright 2007 Advance Publications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved