John Keoni Monte

Completed filming of short film on Imperial Beach, California. Produced/Directed by Kent Brisby. [June 2006]

Memberships-Affiliations: AFTRA - fully vested member; International Kung Fu San Soo Association; Pacific Islander Festival Association (Lead Emcee, 12 years for annual festival); Pacific Islander Foundation Of San Diego, Inc; Alliance For Pacific Islander Youth Assistance aka TAPA; Pacific Islander Outrigger Canoe Club, Founding Member, 1999; America's Cup 1995.

High School: John attended The University of San Diego High School in San Diego, CA graduating in 1973 (famous classmate: Cameron Crowe, Director). John was active in Drama winning the Bank of America Award his Senior year; and tapped and became a lifetime member of the International Thespian Society. College: John attended Grossmont College, El Cajon, Ca and majored in Telecommunications - Broadcast Studio Operations. Careers: 15+years working mainstream media for Viacom labels (Infinity Broadcasting, CBS, Westwood One, Shadow Broadcast Services, and Metro Networks)as a On-Air Front Line Anchor. And 20 years as a Voice Over Talent (still active).

In 1950 - Monte became the right hand man - confidant - protector of Red Skelton, the comedian; by 1953, Monte was named: Assistant Business Manager of Red Skelton Productions. John is currently writing a book on his father's many years with Red, titled: 'I've Got Skeltons In My Closet' - it is a unique, over sized coffee table book that features photos of Red and Monte working, traveling, resting with family and friends. . . in a format whereby John writes his memories down - then, opposite page has space for the purchaser of book to write in their own memories/thoughts about the photo or the era. The book then becomes a family heirloom worthy of handing down to the next generation; a genuine family keepsake! The photos are from his fathers' private collection and have never been seen before by anyone outside the Monte family! Mother: Bonnie Audella Desmond Russell - Bonnie born in Northern Arizona, is a descendant of The Desmond Clan, Lords of the South, Cork County, Ireland. Bonnie was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii by her Grandparents: Mr. & Mrs. Steve Campbell, in Makiki Heights. Grandpa Steve was General Manager for the Von Hamm Young Company of Honolulu, Hawaii. Bonnie attended McKinley High School and was Captain of the ROTC squad; she won numerous trophies with her troupe during high school years. Bonnie eventually moved to Los Angeles, Ca and worked with the Santa Fe Railroad Company for many years. Siblings: 3 half brothers: Randy Folau Solomon (living)of Kohala, Big Island, Hawaii; Steven Wilbur Turner (deceased); and Patrick Allen Turner (living) of Fresno, Ca. Education: John attended Catholic Schools, Kinder thru High School. Elementary: St. Eugenes of Los Angeles,CA; Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Clovis, CA; and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in San Diego, CA.

A native Hawaiian - born in East L. A. . Father: John Gregory Monte Jr. , aka 'Monte'. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii - John's Grandfather owned and operated The Monte Dairy, on Kalawahine Ridge, Makiki area. Married to a full blood Hawaiian - Annie Mo'ohihio Lahaina - they had 3 Sons. John's father attended Kamehameha Schools. John's father arrived in California from his beloved Hawaiian Islands in 1947 at the personal request of Clark Gable, to have an on-camera,non-speaking role in the original 'Mutiny On The Bounty' also starring Charles Laughton. Monte and a few of his fellow Waikiki Beach Boys had become friends of Clark Gable's during one of his many visits to Hawaii. John's father also had a part in the film: 'Sutter's Gold'.