Tony Gemignani - Pizza Superstar

Tony Gemignani is driven by passion. His love of the pizzioli craft (pizza making) is overshadowed only by his love of life. Watching this pizza maestro in action is not only entertaining, but also inspiring. Tony's enthusiasm for life, and pizza, is contagious. His spirit fills the room whether he is competing for a world record or teaching young fans how to toss a pie.

Tony was 18 when his brother, Frank, convinced him to become his partner in a pizza shop. These Italian-American boys knew a little something about food since they grew up on their family farm in Fremont, California. Fresh, quality ingredients were a part of their daily lives. A solid family foundation taught them that preparing a meal was just as rewarding as eating one, and that they should always put their best into everything they do.

Armed with a love of food and sound advice, Tony and Frank opened Pyzano's Pizzeria in Castro Valley, California. Tony had no idea at the time that he would become a pizza legend.

Tony's talent for making pizza developed quickly, as did his flare for pizza acrobatics. In 1995, he won his first World Champion Pizza Acrobat title, and in 2006 and 2007, Tony made pizza history. He was inducted into the Legends of Pizza in 2006 after breaking two records in the Guinness Book of World Records: "Biggest Pizza in 2 minutes continuously spinning," where he produced a crust measuring 36.5 inches, and "Most Consecutive Rolls Across the Shoulders in 30 seconds," rolling the dough 37 times.

Winning the "Biggest Pizza in 2 minutes continuously spinning" category was a shock to Tony. His teammate, Michael Shepherd, was expected to claim the title. "For some reason, something came over me, and I wasn't as nervous as in other competitions. Everything felt right that day. Tomorrow, it could have been one of the other guys. It could have been anyone's day, really," he said.

Tony was grateful for his blessings that day, but he felt that he still had something to prove. He wanted people to know that not only can he toss a record-breaking pie, but that he also can make one. With his family's encouragement, Tony continued perfecting his talents.

In June 2007, Tony traveled to Naples, Italy to compete in the World Pizza Cup. He backed up his claim by winning the title "Italy Best Pizza STG" in the Neapolitan category.

His accomplishment was something that many thought impossible. Most of the World Pizza Cup contestants are native Italians who have studied for years under masters of the craft. Few believed an outsider could enter the exclusive circle of "the best of the best."

Adding to the pressure was the fact that Italians take Neapolitan style pizza seriously. So seriously, there is an official law governing what constitutes a "traditional Italian pizza." The law mandates the ingredients, preparation, size, and cooking method of the pies. Only pizzas prepared according to the law earn the seal of STG (specialità tradizionale garantita, or guaranteed traditional specialty).

Tony won two titles that day, the best pizza and the first non-Italian citizen to win at the competition. He put to rest the criticism that "outsiders" cannot appreciate, or create, authentic Italian pizza. Tony opened the door to promote Neapolitan-style pizza in America, something that he and the Italians have wanted for years. This young man from a California farm became a pizza superstar and accomplished something rare through it all - he stayed grounded.

Tony works hard but says that his family's support has played a key part in his successes. This is especially true of his wife, Julie. Not only does she taste test his recipes, but she is also a part of his pizza acrobatic acts. One of their favorite skits is a James Bond routine where Julie dresses as a counter-spy to Tony's character. He boasts, "She's a big part of the wins, it's not just me. She's my support, my passion, and my drive. She loves pizza as much as I do! She never gets tired of it. I married the right woman!"

In today's society of sports heroes and celebrity icons, there is something endearing about the story of an everyday American accomplishing extraordinary things. Tony Gemignani may not be a sports M.V.P. or entertainment V.I.P., but he is someone just as remarkable. Tony is a role model who has stayed true to himself, to his family, and to his friends. He happily shares his time, and successes, with others and goes out of his way to welcome everyone. His humbleness is something rarely found in the big names of today, and it renews your faith in the goodness of people. No doubt, Tony's heart is bigger than his award-winning pies.

Tony Gemignani has answered the calling to preserve a vital part of history. The art of pizza making may be an old tradition, but this young man is determined to keep its fires burning. And, he does it with kindness and a true love of his craft.

Tony Gemignani is the author of Pizza: More Than 60 Recipes for Delicious Homemade Pizza. Videos of Tony's award-winning pizza tossing can be seen here.