Angelo Surmelis

Biography: Initially torn in two seemingly antithetical directions, Surmelis found a way to merge his two passions---acting and designing---as an affable personality on various home-improvement reality shows including Clean Sweep, Merge and 24 Hour Design. Raised in Greece until age 6 when his family relocated to Chicago, he showed an aptitude for design early on by rearranging the furniture in his home. Also intrigued by performing, he pursued both interests as an adult, studying design at college and acting at Chicago's acclaimed Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. While he enjoyed minor showbiz success, snagging bit parts on TV and stage roles, he came into his own as a designer when he launched the firm Swell Space. In 2003, he made his debut as himself on Clean Sweep, which showcased his talents as both a visual and performing artist. And in 2008, he again offered his expertise to HGTV on the home-improvement series Rate My Space.