My real name is Jeffrey Howard Schecter.  My Hebrew name is Yitzracheshul.  But my nickname is Shecky.  Still with me?   I was given the nickname Shecky years ago by my friend (and now successful Broadway Choreographer) Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis , Addams Family.) One day, in his thick Columbian accent he just blurted out, “Hey Checky, Checky Man!”  And it stuck. So these days I’m mostly known in the “biz” as Shecky.  Now, even my closest friends have trouble calling me Jeff.  So, if you see me say, “Hey! Shecky!”  Or, say “Hey Jeff.”  Just say something.  I like the attention.

I started dancing as a kid when I saw the film “Saturday Night Fever” starring John Travolta.  I got a white suite, and figured out the moves to go with it.  I became very popular in old age homes, dance contests and even in Bars and Restaurants on Long Island.  Fortunately, my father was always there to protect me from the “cougars.”  My dad Fred still continues to watch over my career like a hawk, and I credit his love  and support with being a  huge reason for my success. 

I’m proud to say I’ve been a working actor for over 15 years.  I have performed on Broadway (GUYS AND DOLLS, THE PAJAMA GAME, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, WONDERFUL TOWN,  A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN, and most recently THE REVIVAL OF A CHORUS LINE as Mike Costa (“I Can Do that”).  

I have been seen on Television in “SAVED BY THE BELL : THE NEW CLASS,” STRONG MEDICINE, ALL MY CHILDREN, RESURRECTION BLVD. AND LAB RATS. Films were  ED TV (directed by Oscar Winner Ron Howard), MIX, THE TOWER OF BABBLE.  And I was co-writer and star in my first feature, FARM GIRL IN NY, which will have it’s DVD release Fall 2010.   You can also catch me in the documentary about the audition process for A CHORUS LINE in EVERY LITTLE STEP (Now on DVD). 

In my spare time (when I’m not visiting mom, dad, friends, or my therapist) I’m writing.  I have been writing my whole life and I am currently working on my second screenplay.  I would tell you all about it, but then you would steel my brilliant idea and make millions of dollars. 

I currently live in New York with my wife, the gorgeous, talented actress and dancer Melissa Swender and our cat, Chloe.

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