Why Hippo Life?
The mission of Hippo Life is to help those who see a goal and won't give up until they get it.
Hippo Life offers transformative art experiences that help people from all walks of life express themselves, connect with others, and grow as human beings.
Hippo Life programs include: on-set job training, acting, spoken word, poetry, writing, music, dance, self-awareness, and more.
HIPPO stands for Humanity, Inspiration, Preparation, Perseverance, and Originality.
Those are the aspects of a HIPPO.
Meet Anthony
HIPPOLife was founded in 2016 by Anthony Gilardi who overcame struggles with addiction through
the healing power of the arts.
Over the last 16+ years, Anthony has coached Emmy-nominated actors, global superstars, and has helped hundreds of artists and filmmakers
in Los Angeles, Boston, and abroad.
HIPPOLife provides equitable access to training for underrepresented communities including justice-involved individuals, BIPOC individuals, Veterans, and people with disabilities.
Supported Artists
Richard Cabral
"I started embracing it, and things just started opening up in me..."
"I started opening up and being proud of where i came from. Coming from gangs, East Los Angeles, my tattoos, I was kind of ashamed of being like this because people would like at me different. But as I started embracing it, things just started opening up that I never knew I had in me."
Los Angeles, 2016
Ready to take action?
Here are a few ways to provide rehabilitation through the arts.
Healing Through the Arts
Empowered Creatives
Lauren H.
”We often go unnoticed (in the industry)”
"A lot of artists like us that are underrepresented, we often go unnoticed. And that's why I am so appreciative of the HIPPOLife program and Anthony's team for taking the time to believe in artists like us."
Los Angeles, 2024