Jump to content

Lino Rulli

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lino Rulli
Rulli in 2014
Born
Angelo Gino Armando Rulli

(1971-10-26)October 26, 1971(age 52)
Saint Paul, Minnesota,U.S.
EducationBachelor of Arts
Master of Theology
Alma materSaint John's University
Occupation(s)Radio host, author, producer, television host
Years active1997–present
Websitelinorulli.com
Signature

Angelo Gino Armando"Lino"Rulli[1](born October 26, 1971) is an American radio host, author, producer, and former television host.[2]He is currently the host ofThe Catholic Guy Show,which is aired onThe Catholic ChannelonSirius XM RadioChannel 129. He was also theexecutive producerand host of theEmmy Award-winning television series,Generation Cross.In addition to his radio and television work, Rulli has released two books, both of which discuss Catholicism in a comedic tone through personal anecdotes. He is the personal media adviser to CardinalTimothy M. Dolan.[3]

Early life[edit]

Family[edit]

Rulli was born on October 26, 1971, to anItalian Americanfamily inSaint Paul,Minnesota.[2][4]His family was the only Catholic family on his block growing up,[5]and his father typically only attended Mass on Christmas and Easter.[6]His mother had two goals for him growing up: to teach him to speak French and to teach him the Catholic faith.[7]His two middle names were for his two grandfathers.[8]He has said that he remembers his grandfather Armando as either at work or at prayer.[9]

His mother Gina, is one of three sisters, and the only one who was born in the United States.[10]She worked as a foreign language teacher at a local high school while his father Angelo worked as a probation officer during his early life.[11]

When Rulli was 15, his father joinedCircus Flora.[12]Rulli dropped out of school to perform as the assistant to his father'sorgan grindingand to ride an elephant as part of the finale.[4][6][12]The elder Rulli made the decision to make the career change after praying about it before the Eucharist inSt. Peter's Basilica.[13]The son would dress up as a monkey and dance while the father played the music.[13]On one occasion, they performed at the singerPrince'sbirthday party.[14]The father was a frequent guest onA Prairie Home Companion.[15]

Rulli's father taught him about thebirds and the beesin the seventh grade when he "threw a book in my general direction, and said, 'Let me know if you have any questions.'"[16]He has a cousin who became an archbishop in 2000[17]and was friends with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the futurePope Benedict XVI.[18]

High school[edit]

He is a graduate of the Catholic[19]Hill-Murray High SchoolinMaplewood, Minnesota.[20][21]He "lettered" in theater all four years.[22]In an attempt to be popular, he joined the wrestling team and played for varsity, but only because there was no one else in his weight class, and he was pinned in each of his matches.[21]Rulli would often pray to become popular in high school.[23]During his senior year, he picked the lock on the door, broke into the school, and placed a large B on the name above the front door so that it read Bill-Murray High School.[24]

After being confirmed in the 8th grade, he no longer saw how the church fit into his life and so he quietly left the church.[25]From adolescence on, he aspired to a career in comedy.[26]

College[edit]

Rulli received aBachelor of ArtsDegree in Communications and aMaster of TheologyDegree fromSaint John's University.[27]While in college he was part of a hip hop duo and hosted a weekly radio show calledD-Love and Lazy Lin's Show of Pleasure.[28]They wrote and recorded a single song, "Whatever Happened To," a retrospective from the mid-1980s to the current date in 1991.[28]

During his time in college, Rulli began to dabble in radio. In 1991, he hosted his first program on college radio station KJNB.[29]He speaks of the forgiveness he received from his parents after being arrested twice for being in possession of alcohol while underage as a metaphor for the forgiveness of God.[30]He has also written of his experimentation with illegal drugs while in college.[31]

During his junior year, Rulli found the body of his friend and roommate after he committed suicide by shooting himself inside his car.[32]Several days earlier he had discovered what he thought to be suicide notes but did not really discuss it with his friend.[33]The experience caused him to sleep with a nightlight for years until one night when he was on a retreat with the theme "The Lord is my light and my salvation" and forgot to plug it in.[34]

It was in college that he began to get serious about his faith[19]whereas before he treated Mass like going to the dentist, something to be done because those in authority decreed it.[35]He received thesacrament of reconciliationfor the first time since his childhood during his freshman year,[19]and then did not again until seven years later in Rome.[36]During his senior year, a professor offhandedly asked him if he had ever considered a graduate degree in theology which "picked some kind of lock in my brain."[24]Until that moment he had never considered theology as a major, but after that he said "it just made sense."[37]

Career[edit]

Early[edit]

In 1996, Rulli moved toThe Bahamasto teach high school religion atSt. Augustine's College.[38][39][40]While there, he coached the boys soccer team to a national championship, despite not knowing much about soccer beforehand.[41]

He chose the high crime neighborhood in which he lived because there was aBenedictinemonasteryattached to the school, and was discerning a vocation to become amonk.[42]He lived there for a few months, and at the end of his stay asked the prior his opinion on becoming a brother. "With the assurance of someone who didn't have to think twice," the prior told him no, that he was too immature, and that at 24 there was too much for him to do in the world.[43]

Rulli moved toRomein January 1997[44]to learn the language[45]and lived inTrasteverewith a woman fromFranceand a woman fromGermany.[46]While in college he only attended Mass about twice a month,[32]and while in Rome he began to attend regularly.[47]

In 2001 he had monthly meetings with his bishop to discern a vocation to the priesthood.[48]

Television[edit]

Rulli began his television career as a reporter forWCCO-TV,then later a commentator forKMSP-TV,both stations based out ofMinneapolis,Minnesota.[2][49]Rulli then began a solo project,Generation Cross,a television show he hosted and produced from 1998 to 2004.[4][49]The show was nationally syndicated on multiple Catholic media networks, includingCatholicTV.[50]Rulli has won threeEmmy Awards[51]and has been nominated for others.[52]

Generation Cross was designed to be a "Catholic TV show people would actually watch."[53]It featured Rulli rock climbing with priests, golfing with nuns, and generally learning about the Catholic faith while having fun.[53]It won Emmy awards in 2000 and 2001,[52]making Rulli the first person to win an Emmy award for Catholic broadcasting since BishopFulton Sheen.[51]

AfterGeneration Cross,Rulli co-executive producedThe Last Flagraiser,aCBSdocumentary honoring theWorld War IIsoldiers who raised the flag at the Battle ofIwo Jima.[2][51]The documentary won the Emmy Award for Documentary, the Scripps-Howard National Journalism Award, the National Headliner Grand Award and the RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award.[51]In 2008, Rulli co-produced the filmChampions of Faithin which devout Christian baseball players are interviewed.[54]

In the mid-2000s, Rulli did freelance work for theUnited States Conference of Catholic Bishops.[55]As of 2017, he is the personal media adviser to CardinalTimothy M. Dolan.[3]

Rulli also makes frequent appearances on news channels, often discussingCatholiccurrent events and other religious issues. Specifically, he has been featured on variousCNNandFox News Channelshows, includingPiers Morgan LiveandFox News Liverespectively.[56][57]He has worked for major television networks, cable networks, and PBS.[58]His television production company,Linose Productions,is a play on his name and his large nose.[59]

Radio[edit]

Rulli is currently the host ofThe Catholic Guy Show,a radio show aired weekdays onThe Catholic ChannelonSirius XMSatellite Radio. In the past, he hosted "Lino at Large,"a radio show sponsored by theUnited States Conference of Catholic Bishopssyndicated throughout North America. A previous iteration of Lino at Large was canceled in 2006 because the stations on which it ran catered to an audience of people over 55, and his show was geared towards young adults.[60]Shortly thereafter, he was recommended as a host on the Catholic Channel on Sirius.[60]

Rulli has also made appearances onHoward Stern's Sirius XM channels (Howard 100andHoward 101), specificallyThe Jay Thomas ShowandHoward 100 News.[61][62]Following immediate success ofThe Catholic Guy,twin citiesMinneapolisandSaint Pauldeclared September 29 to be "Lino Rulli Day" (initiated in 2010).[63]

His three greatest radio influences were the hosts of a Minneapolis morning show from when he was a child,Garrison Keillor,and especially Stern.[64]

Print[edit]

In September 2011, Rulli released his first book,Sinner: The Catholic Guy's Funny, Feeble Attempt to Be a Faithful Catholic,in which he shares the joys and the struggles of trying to follow God in everyday circumstances.[65]Sinnerwas promoted on a variety of media facets, includingCatholicTV,Fox News Channel,andHoward 100 News.[65]Two years later, he released his second book,Saint: Why I Should Be Canonized Right Away,in which he comedically discusses how he is bound forsainthood.[66]

In 2020, in the wake of thecoronavirus pandemic,Rulli released his firstE-book,We're All Gonna Die: Be Not Afraid?.[67]

Personal life[edit]

Rulli would frequently joke about his struggles in relationships on his radio show, even to the point of discussing his problems with adating coach.[68]He confessed to having afear of commitment.[69]On his radio show, Rulli would occasionally play "The Catholic Guy Dating Game" and got two girlfriends from it.[70]

After years of this recurring theme, Rulli announced his engagement to his girlfriend, Jill, in May 2015. They married atSt. Peter's BasilicainVatican Cityon April 22, 2016.[71]On June 27, 2023, Rulli announced that Jill was pregnant and that he was the father.[72]

He admits to having "a slightly unhealthy relationship with Facebook and Twitter and seeing how many people 'like" or 'follow' "him.[73]He travels frequently and was "obsessed with hitting the million-mile mark.”[74]As of 2023, he had traveled 1,605,000 miles. He spends his birthday each year in Rome.[75]

Honors and awards[edit]

In 2010, a number of places and items were named for Rulli in his hometown of Minneapolis.[76]A bowling alley, Memory Lanes, named a gutter for Rulli, Kieran's Pub named a restroom stall for him, and Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub named a drink. Stella's Fish Cafe named a lobster for Rulli; the crew of his radio show then ate it for dinner.[76]In addition, he received a ceremonial key to the Cathedral of St. Paul.[76]

Rulli was the executive producer on a CBS documentary that won theEdward R. Murrow Award,theEmmy Awardfor Documentary, theScripps-Howard National Journalism Award.[77][78]He has won two other Emmys.[78]He was the first person since BishopFulton Sheento win an Emmy Award for Catholic broadcasting.[77]

Rulli was also the 2019 resident at theEugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement.[77]The McCarthy Resident showcases the work and skills of someone who has a distinguished career in public service, policy, or politics through a week-long on-campus residency. Through visits to classes, cafeterias, practices, and public programs, the McCarthy resident engages a wide spectrum of the CSB/SJU community and the general public. The McCarthy residency culminates in a dinner honoring the resident and a final keynote program open to the campus community and the public. The primary purpose of the residency is to give students extended access to someone with real knowledge and wisdom about policy, civic engagement, and public life.

Filmography[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1998–2004 Generation Cross Host Emmy Award for Program Host(2001)[79]
Emmy Award for Program Host(2002)[80]
2005 The Last Flagraiser Producer Emmy Award for Best Documentary(2005)[81]
Scripps-Howard National Journalism Award(2005)[2][82]
Edward R. Murrow Award(2005)[2][82]
National Headliner Award – Documentary(2006)[83]
2008 Champions of Faith Producer

References[edit]

  1. ^Rulli 2011,p. 53.
  2. ^abcdefAbout Lino Rulli.Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  3. ^abRulli 2013,p. 158.
  4. ^abcHeffron, Christopher (May 2008)."Lino Rulli: One 'Sirius' Catholic".St. Anthony Messenger.Archived fromthe originalon February 23, 2013.RetrievedDecember 27,2012.
  5. ^Rulli 2011,p. 2.
  6. ^abRulli 2011,p. 1.
  7. ^Rulli 2011,p. 51.
  8. ^Rulli 2011,p. 54.
  9. ^Rulli 2013,p. 99.
  10. ^Rulli 2013,p. 17.
  11. ^Rulli 2011,p. 11.
  12. ^abRulli 2013,p. 228.
  13. ^abRulli 2011,p. 6.
  14. ^Rulli 2011,p. 7.
  15. ^Rulli 2011,p. 134.
  16. ^Rulli 2011,p. 145.
  17. ^Rulli 2011,p. 93.
  18. ^Rulli 2013,p. 49.
  19. ^abcRulli 2011,p. 32.
  20. ^"Lino's Proclamation of Greatness".LinoRulli.net.September 29, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon January 25, 2012.RetrievedDecember 27,2012.
  21. ^abRulli 2011,p. 154.
  22. ^Rulli 2011,p. 148.
  23. ^Rulli 2011,p. 149.
  24. ^abRulli 2013,p. 85.
  25. ^Rulli 2011,p. 83.
  26. ^Rulli 2011,p. 15.
  27. ^"TMG Speakers: Lino Rulli".Archived fromthe originalon February 16, 2013.RetrievedApril 16,2012.
  28. ^abRulli 2013,p. 26.
  29. ^Rulli 2011,p. 27.
  30. ^Rulli 2011,p. 30.
  31. ^Rulli 2013,p. 219.
  32. ^abRulli 2013,p. 143.
  33. ^Rulli 2013,p. 144.
  34. ^Rulli 2013,pp. 149–150.
  35. ^Rulli 2011,p. 35.
  36. ^Rulli 2011,p. 34.
  37. ^Rulli 2013,p. 86.
  38. ^Rulli 2011,p. 43.
  39. ^Rulli 2013,p. 32.
  40. ^Rulli 2013.
  41. ^Rulli 2013,pp. 30–32.
  42. ^Rulli 2011,p. 44.
  43. ^Rulli 2011,p. 45.
  44. ^Rulli 2011,p. 107.
  45. ^Rulli 2013,p. 197.
  46. ^Rulli 2011,p. 108.
  47. ^Rulli 2013,p. 198.
  48. ^Rulli 2013,p. 67.
  49. ^abRulli 2013,p. 23.
  50. ^"CatholicTV Schedule".RetrievedMarch 10,2015.
  51. ^abcd"About Lino".LinoRulli.com.RetrievedSeptember 14,2017.
  52. ^abRulli 2013,p. 65.
  53. ^abRulli 2011,p. 173.
  54. ^"Champions of Faith: Baseball Edition"
  55. ^Rulli 2011,p. 85.
  56. ^"Piers Morgan Tonight: Lino Rulli".RetrievedMarch 10,2015.
  57. ^Lino Rulli and Jennifer Miller discuss the impending lawsuit filed against the Obama healthcare mandate– Fox News. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  58. ^Rulli 2013,p. 91.
  59. ^Rulli 2013,p. 217.
  60. ^abRulli 2011,p. 138.
  61. ^""The Catholic Guy" Podcast: Lino on the Jay Thomas Show to promote "Sinner"".RetrievedJuly 27,2012.
  62. ^"Howard News 101 features Lino Rulli".CatholicGuyShow.com.September 10, 2011.RetrievedJuly 27,2012.
  63. ^Wiering, Maria (September 10, 2010)."Hometown Glory: 'The Catholic Guy' Gets Day Named for Him in Twin Cities".Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.RetrievedJune 27,2011.
  64. ^Rulli 2011,pp. 132–135.
  65. ^ab"Sinner: Press".AmericanCatholic.org.RetrievedDecember 11,2015.
  66. ^Saint.Retrieved September 3, 2013.
  67. ^"We're All Gonna Die,Lino's new E-book ".linorulli.com.RetrievedMarch 19,2020.
  68. ^"TCGS Podcast #56: Lino's personal dating coach Anthony Buono...and Lino's Mom!".RetrievedDecember 16,2015.
  69. ^Rulli 2011,p. 37.
  70. ^Rulli 2011,p. 141.
  71. ^"Catholic Guy Podcast #210: Lino got engaged!".RetrievedDecember 16,2015.
  72. ^Rulli, Lino (June 27, 2023). Sirius XMhttps://www.linorulli.com/listen.{{cite AV media}}:Missing or empty|title=(help)
  73. ^Rulli 2013,p. 46.
  74. ^Rulli 2013,p. 167.
  75. ^Rulli 2013,p. 169.
  76. ^abcC.J. (September 27, 2010)."Bless this gutter: 'Catholic Guy' is back".Minneapolis Star-Tribune.RetrievedJune 14,2018.
  77. ^abc"Lino Rulli '93, SOT '95 (February 2019) – The 12th Annual McCarthy Center Residency".Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement.RetrievedJanuary 8,2019.
  78. ^abEp 353: The second floor of Tyler's parents house (aka The Muppet's Lair!).The Catholic Guy Show. December 19, 2019.RetrievedJanuary 8,2019.
  79. ^2001 Upper Midwest Emmy Recipients
  80. ^2002 Upper Midwest Emmy Recipients
  81. ^2005 Upper Midwest Emmy Nominees
  82. ^abRulli 2011,p. 140.
  83. ^"2006 National Headliner Awards – Broadcast Division".Archived fromthe originalon April 2, 2015.RetrievedMarch 10,2015.

Bibliography[edit]

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lino_Rulli&oldid=1202830005"