Gino Anthony Pesi

Gino Anthony Pesi (born November 3, 1980) is an American actor, producer, and writer. He is best known for his role as James Nava in the NBC series Shades of Blue.

Early life
Pesi was born on November 3, 1980, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Magee-Women's Hospital. He grew up as an only child in the Monongahela Valley with an affinity for sports and entertainment. He attended Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School in Connellsville before transferring to Charleroi High School, where he graduated in 1999. He graduated from Point Park University, Conservatory of Performing Arts as a theater major with a concentration in acting.

In 2013, Pesi was diagnosed with acromegaly while filming 42. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa removed his tumor, and Pesi credits "Dr. Q" with allowing "me the opportunity to better my health." Pesi refers to this experience as "the greatest gift I've had," with a better appreciation of his life.