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Billy Dec

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Billy Dec BIO

Billy Dec is an Actor, as well as an Emmy Award Winning Entertainment TV/Radio Personality with regular appearances on nationally broadcast programs (ABC, Good Morning America, Today Show, Windy City Live) as an Entertainment and Food Contributor, in addition to hosting a variety of other segments.



Most recently, Dec has been appointed by President Obama to serve on his White House Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Attorney and CEO/Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions, Chicago's premier hospitality and entertainment development company, specializing in the creation, marketing and management of some of the city's top venues, including Rockit Bar & Grill, Sunda, Underground, Rockit Burger Bar, Bottlefork and the newest concept, gastro-tavern, The Duck Inn.

Dec's educational background includes the University of Illinois, Chicago-Kent College of Law & the Harvard Business School. He has received numerous awards including "Excellence in Business Award" from the State of Illinois, the Asian American Hall of Fame Award, the Cook County State's Attorney's Community Leadership Award and Chicago-Kent College of Law Alumni Professional Achievement Award. Dec is also actively involved in philanthropic organizations like Make a Wish, After School Matters, Lookingglass Theatre and formerly served as the Director of Cultural Relations for the Olympic Committee.

Dec writes his own blog about Chicago and its culturally rich entertainment landscape.

Billy Dec News


PBS Explores America's History, Food and Culture January-March 2020


From new episodes of FINDING YOUR ROOTS with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. to Season 2 of NO PASSPORT REQUIRED with Marcus Samuelsson to SOMEWHERE SOUTH, a new series with Chef Vivian Howard, PBS will explore America's diversity through food, history and culture with a series of programs scheduled from January through March 2020. Additional programs include AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “The Poison Squad,” about the chemist who fought for food safety at the turn of the 20th century, and FOOD. ROOTS. PHILIPPINES, Billy Dec's search for the recipes of his ancestors. Chef Patrick O'Connell's magnificent obsession is revealed in THE INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON: A DELICIOUS DOCUMENTARY and new digital series GOOD GUMBO (w.t.) travels to Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta and the Gulf to delve into the region's rich food and cultural heritage. Full of surprising revelations and unforgettable characters, these programs celebrate our uniquely American culture and showcase the myriad contributions that diverse groups of Americans have made to our country, our cuisine, and our common history.

Lineup Announced for 22nd Annual TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival


Three Dollar Bill Cinema announces the five gala film events for the 22nd Annual Twist: Seattle Queer Film Festival.

Piven Theatre Workshop Gala to Honor Legendary Founder Joyce Piven


Piven Theatre Workshop's celebrity alumni are coming home to Chicago for one big night to honor their favorite teacher-legendary founder, Joyce Piven. On Saturday, May 6, philanthropic leaders, community partners and friends of Piven Theatre Workshop from Hollywood, Broadway and around the world will pay tribute to Piven's remarkable 45 years in Chicago theatre at the inaugural Once Upon a Stage gala at Revel Fulton Market in Chicago's West Loop. Notable guests include Jeremy Piven, who will accompany his mother to the gala, Shira Piven, Adam McKay, Ed Asner, Paul Adelstein, Lili Taylor, Aidan Quinn and Chicago's own Billy Dec, Harry Lennix, James Vincent Meredith and Lucas Jade Zumann, among others.

Renaissance Hotels Partners With Bizarre Foods' Andrew Zimmern And Food & Wine To Bring Unusual Culinary Discoveries To Guests Around The World


BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ Renaissance Hotels (www.renhotels.com) is known around the world for helping next generation business travelers discover unexpected cultural experiences. Renaissance Hotels today announces a new partnership with Food & Wine and Andrew Zimmern to create a series of unusual tastings around The Navigators Table and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to today's most coveted chefs and foodie insiders.

THE WAREHOUSE Film Hosts Launch Benefit at The Underground Tonight


The Warehouse is produced by Bob Teitel (Men of Honor, Barber Shop), Billy Dec (Rockit Ranch/Elston Films), Randy Crumpton (The Truth) and Joe Shanahan (Metro/Smartbar/Double Door), who will appear tonight, March 31 at 6 p.m. at the launch party and Frankie Knuckles Foundation (FKF) Benefit at The Underground (56 W. Illinois St). 100 percent of ticket proceeds to benefit the FKF.

New Film THE WAREHOUSE, Celebrating Frankie Knuckles, to Shoot in Chicago


A new feature film, THE WAREHOUSE, will celebrate the Godfather of House Music, GRAMMY Award-winning Frankie Knuckles (1955-2014) and Chicago's legendary Warehouse afterhours club, where the internationally recognized House Music genre was born. The film will be produced by Bob Teitel (Men of Honor, Barber Shop), Billy Dec (Rockit Ranch/Elston Films), Randy Crumpton (The Truth) and Joe Shanahan (Metro/Smartbar/Double Door).

VIDEO: First Look - Spike TV's FRANKENFOOD, Premiering Tonight


Step aside chicken and waffles, buffalo wings and chili cheese dogs, Spike TV is looking to find the newest food craze. Starting tonight, June 22 at 10 PM, ET/PT with two back-to-back premiere episodes

VIDEO: First Look - New Spike TV Original Series FRANKENFOOD, Premiering Tonight


Step aside chicken and waffles, buffalo wings and chili cheese dogs, Spike TV is looking to find the newest food craze.

VIDEO: First Look - Spike TV's FRANKENFOOD, Premiering This June


Step aside chicken and waffles, buffalo wings and chili cheese dogs, Spike TV is looking to find the newest food craze. Starting Sunday, June 22 at 10 PM, ET/PT with two back-to-back premiere episodes

VIDEO: First Look - New Spike TV Original Series FRANKENFOOD, Premiering 6/8


Step aside chicken and waffles, buffalo wings and chili cheese dogs, Spike TV is looking to find the newest food craze.

Michael Shannon and Billy Dec Host A Red Orchid Theatre's 2013 Gala Tonight


A Red Orchid Theatre's (AROT) Board of Directors and Ensemble, together with Rockit Ranch Productions, announces the 2013 A Red Orchid Gala. The 2013 Gala will celebrate 21 years of creating exceptional, ensemble-based theater in Chicago. The event will be held tonight, November 9, 2013 at Sunda New Asian restaurant, 110 W. Illinois, with a cocktail party and auction to follow at The Underground, 56 W Illinois. The evening will be co-hosted by A Red Orchid Co-founder and Academy Award Nominee, Michael Shannon and Emmy Award winning television contributor and Rockit Ranch Productions CEO, Billy Dec.

Michael Shannon and Billy Dec to Host A Red Orchid Theatre's 2013 Gala, 11/9


A Red Orchid Theatre's (AROT) Board of Directors and Ensemble, together with Rockit Ranch Productions, announces the 2013 A Red Orchid Gala. The 2013 Gala will celebrate 21 years of creating exceptional, ensemble-based theater in Chicago. The event will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Sunda New Asian restaurant, 110 W. Illinois, with a cocktail party and auction to follow at The Underground, 56 W Illinois. The evening will be co-hosted by A Red Orchid Co-founder and Academy Award Nominee, Michael Shannon and Emmy Award winning television contributor and Rockit Ranch Productions CEO, Billy Dec.

Lookingglass Theatre Hosts 12th Annual Ball THE MADHATTER'S SPEAKEASY Tonight


Lookingglass Theatre's Junior Board announces the 12th Annual Madhatter's Ball, 'The Madhatter's Speakeasy' to be held at Venue One, 1044 W. Randolph, tonight, June 1, 2013. The VIP reception begins at 8pm. The event is from 9pm-midnight with an after-party, location TBD, from 12am-2:00am.

Lookingglass Theatre to Host 12th Annual Ball THE MADHATTER'S SPEAKEASY, 6/1


Lookingglass Theatre's Junior Board announces the 12th Annual Madhatter's Ball, "The Madhatter's Speakeasy" to be held at Venue One, 1044 W. Randolph, on Saturday, June 1, 2013. The VIP reception begins at 8pm. The event is from 9pm-midnight with an after-party, location TBD, from 12am-2:00am.

GRACE's Michael Shannon and Rockit Ranch's Billy Dec Co-Host AROT's 20th Anniversary Gala Tonight, 11/12


A Red Orchid Theatre's (AROT) Board of Trustees and Gala Committee, together with Rockit Ranch Productions, presents the 2012 A Red Orchid Gala.The 2012 Gala will celebrate 20 years of creating exceptional, ensemble-based theater in Chicago.

A Red Orchid Theatre Celebrates 20th Anniversary


A Red Orchid Theatre's (AROT) Board of Trustees and Gala Committee, together with Rockit Ranch Productions, has announced the 2012 A Red Orchid Gala. The 2012 Gala will celebrate 20 years of creating exceptional, ensemble-based theater in Chicago. The event will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012 at Sunda Restaurant, 110 W. Illinois, with a cocktail party and auction to follow at The Underground, 56 W Illinois. The evening will be co-hosted by A Red Orchid Co-founder and Academy Award Nominee, Michael Shannon and Rockit Ranch Productions CEO Billy Dec.

GRACE's Michael Shannon and Rockit Ranch's Billy Dec Co-Host AROT's 20th Anniversary Gala, 11/12


A Red Orchid Theatre's (AROT) Board of Trustees and Gala Committee, together with Rockit Ranch Productions, proudly announces the 2012 A Red Orchid Gala.The 2012 Gala will celebrate 20 years of creating exceptional, ensemble-based theater in Chicago.

Piven Theatre Workshop’s 2010 Annual Awards Brunch To Honor Kate Walsh 10/17


The Piven Theatre Workshop Board of Directors, together with the Host Committee and Master of Ceremonies ABC7's Linda Yu, proudly announce Piven Theatre Workshop's 2010 Annual Awards Brunch to honor Piven Theatre Workshop alumna and "Private Practice" star, Kate Walsh and arts advocate and CEO & Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions, Billy Dec.

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