Mario

Mario, a multi-talented R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, has built a career spanning music, film, and television since his teenage years. After signing with Clive Davis’ J Records, Mario made his professional debut contributing to the ‘Dr. Dolittle 2’ movie soundtrack in 2001. His self-titled debut album, ‘Mario,’ followed in 2002, featuring the successful single ‘Just a Friend 2002,’ which reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100.

This early success culminated in his 2004 sophomore album, ‘Turning Point,’ which spawned the international hit ‘Let Me Love You.’ The track soared to become his first U.S. number-one single, earning two Billboard Music Awards and a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Mario continued to build on his musical momentum with subsequent albums, including ‘Go’ (2007) and ‘D.N.A.’ (2009). The latter featured the platinum-certified single ‘Break Up,’ solidifying his presence in R&B.

During this period, Mario also expanded his artistic reach into acting, making his film debut as Miles Darby in the 2006 hit ‘Step Up,’ followed by a role as Andre Bryant in the critically acclaimed ‘Freedom Writers’ (2007). His significant impact on the music landscape was further recognized when Billboard ranked him No. 98 on their prestigious ‘Artist of the Decade’ list in 2010. Demonstrating his versatility across mediums, Mario earned a recurring role in the acclaimed television series ‘Empire’ from 2018 to 2020.

Established to support children affected by parental drug addiction, the foundation underscores his dedication to making a significant social impact. He continues to perform and create music, building on a multi-faceted career marked by consistent achievement across music, film, and television.