Tory Belleci Biography
Tory Belleci is an American television personality and model maker who was born and brought up in Monterey, California, United States of America. He is widely known for his work on the Discovery Channel television program ‘MythBusters’. He has also worked with Industrial Light and Magic on films including ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ and ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones’.
Before joining “MythBusters,” Belleci worked as a model maker and animatronics engineer for Industrial Light and Magic, the visual effects company founded by George Lucas. He also worked on several popular films, including “The Matrix Reloaded,” “The Matrix Revolutions,” and “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.”
Tory has also worked on other television shows, including “The White Rabbit Project” and “Thrill Factor,” both of which aired on the Discovery Channel. He continues to work in the entertainment industry as a special effects artist and consultant.
10 Quick Facts About Tory Belleci
- Name: Salvatore Paul Belleci
- Age: 53 Years (As of 2023)
- Birthday: 30 October
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Height: 6 feet 0 inches (1.82 m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Television Personality and Model Maker
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $2 Million
Tory Belleci Age
Belleci is 53 years old as of 2023, he was born on 30 October 1970, in Monterey, California, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 30 October every year and his birth sign is Scorpio.
Tory Belleci Height
Belleci stands at a height of 6 feet 0 inches (1.82 m).
Early Life and Education
Belleci was born on October 30, 1970, in Monterey, California, United States. He grew up in a family of Italian ancestry, with his father working as a truck driver and his mother as a school secretary.
Belleci attended San Francisco State University, where he studied film and sculpture. During his time there, he became interested in special effects and began working on small projects with friends.
After graduating from college, Belleci worked as a model maker and animatronics engineer for Industrial Light and Magic, where he worked on several high-profile films. His work on these films helped him develop the skills and expertise that would eventually lead him to become a key member of the “MythBusters” team.
Rise to Fame
Belleci rose to fame as a member of the “Build Team” on the popular Discovery Channel show “MythBusters.” The show, which premiered in 2003, was created to test and debunk popular myths and urban legends using science and experimentation.
Belleci joined the show in its second season and quickly became known for his expertise in special effects and pyrotechnics. He worked alongside fellow “Build Team” members Kari Byron and Grant Imahara, under the supervision of hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman.
Belleci’s contributions to the show were instrumental in its success, as he helped to design and build various contraptions and devices used in myth testing. He also participated in many of the show’s most memorable experiments, including testing the myth of the “Mentos and Diet Coke” explosion and building a working hovercraft.
Over the course of his time on “MythBusters,” Belleci became a fan favorite and helped the show to gain a large following. He remained a regular on the show until it ended in 2018, after 14 seasons and 296 episodes.
Tory Belleci Family, Parents, and Siblings
Belleci was born and raised by his parents in California. Our efforts to find out more about his family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, the identity of Tory’s parents is still unclear. It is also not known if he has any siblings. We will update this section once this information is available.
Belleci was born to his father who showed him how to make a Molotov cocktail. Later he built what was essentially a homemade flamethrower. The device caused a problem when he accidentally lit part of his house on fire. At the age of 19, he was nearly arrested for setting off a homemade pipe bomb near his parents’ home in Seaside, California.
He was encouraged by the officers to find a way of expressing his love for explosions and special effects that did not involve getting arrested. After doing our research, details about his parents’ names are not available and it is also not known if he has any siblings.
Tory Belleci Religion
Belleci is quite a devout Christian who’s even likened a past humanitarian trip to Haiti to “missionary work.” This made him something of an oddity in the MythBusters environment, where assorted combinations of skepticism and atheism ran rampant.
Tory Belleci Wife
Belleci is currently married to his longtime girlfriend Erin Bothamley. The couple tied the knot in 2020 in a private ceremony, after she was proposed in 2018 on Christmas Eve.
Tory Belleci Net Worth
Belleci has an estimated net worth of $2 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a television personality and model maker. Through his various sources of income, Tory has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Tory Belleci Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Tory.
Tory Belleci Wiki
- Full Names: Salvatore Paul Belleci
- Popular As: Tory
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Television Personality and Model Maker
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: Italian ancestry
- Religion: Catholic
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Tory Belleci Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 53 years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Date of Birth: 30 October 1970
- Place of Birth: Monterey, California, USA
- Birthday: 30 October
Tory Belleci Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 0 inches (1.82 m)
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: Greenish-blue
- Hair Color: Brown
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Tory Belleci Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Not Known
- Mother: Not Known
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife/Spouse: Married to Erin Bothamley
- Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Sons (Not Known) Daughter(s) (Not Known)
Tory Belleci Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $2 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Television Personality and Model Maker
Tory Belleci Mythbusters
Kari Byron and Grant Imahara who are Belleci fellow MythBusters consider him to be more of a daredevil and, as such, often performs the more dangerous stunts when testing a myth. These have included: testing the “Red Flag to a Bull” myth; testing the myth that a human’s tongue will instantly stick to a frozen pole, in the “Snow Special” episode; and the myth “can you stay underwater for an hour while breathing through a dart tube?”, in the “Ninja Movie Myths 2” episode.
During the “Hollywood Hang” sequence, of the 2010 episode “Soda Cup Killer”, Belleci fell off a roof, and despite being strapped into a safety harness system, landed in an open window ledge below the drop point, and hurt his leg causing substantial bleeding.
On October 3. 2012, episode of the Discovery series Sons of Guns he and Byron made a guest appearance. They test-fired some weapons in the Red Jacket shop and watched as the staff re-tested a myth previously busted by the Build Team: that a propane tank could explode if struck by a bullet. It was reported that Belleci, along with co-stars Byron and Imahara, would be leaving MythBusters on August 21. 2014.
Tory Belleci New Show
Belleci alongside Imahara and Byron starred in the Netflix show White Rabbit Project which premiered on 9th December 2016. He performed alongside Richard Hammond (Top Gear, The Grand Tour) for an untitled Amazon Video series announced in August 2019 produced by Hammond’s Chimp Productions.
Tory Belleci Deadmau5
Belleci competed with electronic dance music producer deadmau5 in the Gumball 3000 race from June 5–11, 2014, riding co-pilot in deadmau5’s Ferrari 458 Spider named Purrari from Miami to Ibiza, Spain, and won top honors taking away the “Spirit of the Gumball” award.
Tory Belleci Bike Jump | Bike | Bike Crash
Belleci got an accident in an earlier episode with the encouragement of his team members, Scotty and Kari. He attempted to jump an object using a bicycle. He failed and landed face-first on the concrete.
Tory Belleci White Rabbit Project
Tory Belleci starred on a Netflix series called”White Rabbit Project”. Other co-stars were Kari Byron, and Grant Imahara, the build team from MythBusters which was released on December 9. 2016.
Tory Belleci Star Wars
Also, he worked with Industrial Light and Magic on films including:
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and Star Wars:
- Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
Tory Belleci The Explosion Show
Belleci appeared on The Explosion Show which is a television series that premiered on the Science Channel on January 10. 2020.
Tory Belleci The Orville
The show “The Orville” delivered some serious laughs, action, and galactic entertainment. During season one, Belleci and Kari Byron, made uncredited cameo appearances as aliens.
Tory Belleci Movies and TV Shows
- The Matrix Reloaded Visual Effects. (2003)
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Visual Effects. (1999)
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones Visual Effects. (2002)
- Galaxy Quest Visual Effects. (1999)
- Jackass Forever (2022)
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
- Working for Industrial Light and Magic: Tory worked as a model maker and animatronics engineer for Industrial Light and Magic, the visual effects company founded by George Lucas. During his time there, he worked on several high-profile films, including “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and “The Matrix Reloaded.”
- MythBusters Live: Tory participated in several “MythBusters Live” tours, where he and other members of the “MythBusters” team performed live experiments and demonstrations for audiences around the world.
- White Rabbit Project: Tory and his former “MythBusters” co-stars Kari Byron and Grant Imahara traveled to various locations around the world for their Netflix series “White Rabbit Project.” They explored topics such as technology, science, and history, and participated in various experiments and demonstrations.
- Comic-Con International: Tory has made several appearances at Comic-Con International, the annual convention for comic book and pop culture enthusiasts. He has participated in panels, autograph signings, and other events at the convention.
- Burning Man: Tory has attended Burning Man, the annual arts and culture festival held in the Nevada desert, multiple times. He has created various art installations and participated in the festival’s unique experiences and events.
Future Aspirations and Goals
Tory has not publicly shared specific information about his future aspirations and goals. However, based on his past work and interests, it is likely that he will continue to pursue projects related to science, technology, and special effects.
Tory has expressed a passion for creating and experimenting with various types of technology, and he has also shown an interest in educating and inspiring others through his work. It is possible that he will continue to create content related to science and technology, whether through television shows, online videos, or other forms of media.
Tory has also demonstrated a love for travel and adventure, and he may continue to explore new places and experiences in the future. He has expressed a desire to participate in space exploration and could potentially pursue opportunities related to space travel or research.
Overall, while it is not clear what specific projects or endeavors Tory will pursue in the future, it is likely that he will continue to explore his interests in science, technology, and adventure.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Tory has been involved in several philanthropic and charitable causes throughout his career. Some of his notable community involvement and charitable activities include:
- Maker Faire: Tory has been involved with the Maker Faire, a gathering of tech enthusiasts, artists, and scientists, for several years. He has participated in various demonstrations and exhibits at the event and has encouraged others to pursue their interests in science and technology.
- DonorsChoose.org: Tory has been a supporter of DonorsChoose.org, a charity that connects donors with classrooms in need. He has promoted the organization and encouraged his fans to support its mission.
- Scholarship funding: Tory has provided funding for scholarships through his alma mater, San Francisco State University. He has also spoken at the university to inspire students to pursue careers in science and technology.
- STEM education: Tory has been a vocal advocate for STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) and has worked to inspire young people to pursue careers in these fields. He has spoken at schools and events to promote STEM education and has encouraged his fans to support STEM initiatives.
Tory Belleci Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Emmy Award nomination: In 2009, Tory, along with the rest of the “MythBusters” team, was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program.
- Successful MythBusters experiments: Tory was a key member of the “Build Team” on “MythBusters,” and he participated in many memorable experiments on the show. Some of his notable experiments include testing the myth of the “Mentos and Diet Coke” explosion, building a working hovercraft, and testing the myth of the “Bulletproof Water” trick.
- Special Effects work: Tory has worked on several high-profile films and television shows as a special effects artist, including “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” and “The Matrix Revolutions.”
- White Rabbit Project: In 2016, Tory reunited with his former “MythBusters” co-stars Kari Byron and Grant Imahara for the Netflix series “White Rabbit Project,” which explored topics such as technology and science.
- Thrill Factor: Tory also hosted and co-produced the show “Thrill Factor” on the Travel Channel, which explored the science behind amusement park rides.
- Popular Science Magazine’s Brilliant 10: In 2015, Tory was named one of Popular Science Magazine’s “Brilliant 10” for his contributions to science and technology.
Legacy
Tory has left a lasting legacy in the world of special effects, science education, and popular culture. As a member of the “MythBusters” team, he helped to create a groundbreaking television series that popularized science education and experimentation. He inspired many viewers, particularly young people, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Tory’s work as a special effects artist has also had a significant impact on the film industry. He has contributed to some of the most popular and successful films of recent years, including the “Star Wars” and “Matrix” franchises. His expertise in animatronics and model making has helped to bring countless fictional characters and creatures to life on screen.
Tory’s involvement in charitable and community-based initiatives has also contributed to his legacy. He has used his platform to promote causes related to education and technology, and has inspired many people to get involved in these areas. His advocacy for STEM education has helped to inspire a new generation of scientists and innovators.
Tory’s contributions to the worlds of special effects, science education, and popular culture have left a lasting impact. He has inspired many people to pursue their passions and has helped to make science and technology more accessible and exciting for a wide audience.
Hobbies and Interests
- Travel: Tory has traveled extensively throughout his career and has expressed a love for exploring new places and cultures. He has visited countries all over the world and has participated in various cultural experiences and events.
- Photography: Tory is an avid photographer and has shared many of his photos on social media. He has expressed a passion for capturing beautiful and unique images and has used his photography skills in his work as a special effects artist.
- Cooking: Tory is a skilled cook and has shared many of his recipes and cooking tips on social media. He has expressed a love for experimenting with new flavors and techniques and enjoys trying out different recipes from around the world.
- Technology: Tory has a keen interest in technology and has experimented with various types of technology in his work as a special effects artist. He has also expressed a love for exploring new gadgets and devices and keeping up with the latest trends in the tech world.
- Outdoor activities: Tory enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing. He has shared many photos and videos of his outdoor adventures on social media and has expressed a love for being in nature.
Personal Beliefs
Tory has not publicly shared his personal beliefs on many political or social issues, as he tends to keep his private life separate from his public persona. However, based on his work and public statements, it is clear that he values science education, critical thinking, and experimentation.
He has expressed a belief in the power of science and technology to improve people’s lives and has used his platform to promote STEM education and exploration.
Tory has also shown a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, and has used his platform to promote eco-friendly practices and initiatives. For example, he has shared photos and videos of his participation in beach cleanups and has spoken out about the importance of protecting the environment.
Tory’s personal beliefs seem to align with his public persona as a science enthusiast, experimentalist, and environmental advocate. While he may not share his views on all issues publicly, his work and statements indicate that he values curiosity, education, and sustainability.
Quotes
Final Thoughts
Tory is a talented special effects artist, television personality, and science educator who has left a lasting impact on popular culture and science education. Through his work on “MythBusters” and his contributions to the film industry, he has inspired many people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. He has also used his platform to promote charitable causes related to education and technology.
Tory’s personal interests and hobbies reflect his adventurous spirit and his love for exploring new things. He values science education, critical thinking, and environmental conservation, and has used his platform to promote these values.
Tory’s contributions to the worlds of special effects, science education, and popular culture have made him a respected and beloved figure among fans and colleagues alike. His legacy will continue to inspire new generations of scientists, innovators, and science enthusiasts for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tory Belleci
Tory is a renowned television personality and model maker who gained extensive recognition for his work on the films MythBusters and Star Wars.
Tory is an American national born on 30th October 1970, in Monterey, California.
Tory stands at a height of 6 feet 0 inches (1.82 meters).
Yes, Tory is currently married to his longtime girlfriend Erin Bothamley. They got married in 2020 in a private ceremony, after she was proposed in 2018 on Christmas Eve.
Tory has an approximate net worth of $2 million. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Details about Tory’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Because of personal reasons, Tory has not shared his precise location of residence. We will immediately update this information if we get the location and images of his house.
Tory is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
Tory is still an active participant in the creative entertainment industry, he is a cast member of Star Wars.
Tory Belleci Contacts
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