1990 Alumnus Rides the Waves of Life

“I graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental engineering,” recalled Dylan. “After two weeks on my first engineering job, I realized that I did not want to do this for the rest of my life. So, I took some time off to think, while living the life of a ski bum in Vermont, and I decided to focus my energy on a career in the entertainment industry.”

Dylan has accumulated more than 50 acting credits, six producer credits, and three director credits over the years. He’s probably most known for roles in the films Saving Private Ryan and Taken 3 and the TV series Numb3rs and Thumb Runner. He’s currently shopping three new TV series for funding and network pickups.

“The entertainment business is going through a time of consolidation,” explained Dylan. “Production companies overspent in Covid, and people aren’t watching four to five hours of TV like they did back then. We also went through the actor’s strike and writers’ strike, and I’ve seen reports that production in Hollywood is down 70 percent.”

“So, I needed to pivot,” said Dylan. “I have a background in technology boards, and I’m currently working with a biotech company named Flow Pharma, which has a patented vaccine delivery system for cancer and viral diseases. I am their strategic advisor, and I’m working on financing, restructuring their board, and more. I’m drinking from the biotech fire hose to learn as much about the company, products, and industry as possible. It’s incredibly mentally stimulating!”

Dylan has also had the chance to collaborate professionally with one of his Hamden Hall friends over the years: Bun Lai from the Class of 1988. 

Dylan and Bun even developed a documentary series called Killer Meals, where they would hunt and prepare invasive species as a food source. Dylan, who is also an MIT-trained environmental scientist, and Bun, who is a James Beard-nominated chef and invasive species advocate, were set to be the hosts. 

“The premise was that we would travel across the country to hunt invasive species and turn them into profitable food sources to help bring balance to ecosystems,” said Dylan. “The series was picked up by a TV network, but that network folded soon after. That’s Hollywood.”

While Dylan and his family are happily living on the West Coast, they still come back to Connecticut a few times each year.

“We own a cottage in the Thimble Islands,” said Dylan. “I also invested in Papa’s Pizza in Milford 15 years ago with a friend of mine from our little league baseball days. It’s the best pizza in Milford, and it’s on the official ‘Connecticut Pizza Trail’ map. We always talked about running a business together, and we always loved Papa’s Pizza. Together, we helped satisfy demand by opening a second location. It’s a fun way to still be part of the community.”

Dylan has been married to his wife, Emmeli, for 19 years. She was born and raised in Sweden and is the head trainer at the Portuguese Bend Riding Club with experience in dressage, show jumping, and eventing. 

“She is from Sweden and was studying in Hawaii,” recalled Dylan. “We fell in love while I was filming in Hawaii. We had a long-distance relationship between LA, Milford, and Hawaii for a year or two before we were married. We have two boys. Odin is 16 and Demian is 18 and attending San Diego State University's Undergraduate Pathway Program. So, we are almost empty nesters.”

Dylan still remains close with Bun Lai from the Class of 1988, Kurt Morley and Ted Lai from the Class of 1990, and his brother, Chris Bruno, from the Class of 1984 who also lives in California.

“With traffic, Chris and I live about two hours apart,” said Dylan. “Our wives are best friends, and they enjoy riding horses together. Chris and I enjoy martial arts and surfing together, which our boys love, too. Chris and Cindy also love being the uncle and aunt to our boys. While acting is still Chris’ first love, he has also expanded his career interests. He has become a commercial helicopter pilot. I’m really proud of Chris. He studied so hard for four years to get his license. He’s a terrific pilot.”