Rio was born in Chicago, Illinois. He is Single but was in a committed gay relationship with his artistic inspiration and lover, Roger A. Breton (stage name.) Roger passed on April 11, 2010, and Rio has dedicated his life to fulfilling his artist endeavors as Roger would have wanted. Rio attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1988-1989 at the age of 18, under his original birth name. He also has attended Columbia College, to study Music Theory, College of DuPage to study Russian Language and Culture. In 1992-1994, Rio travelled three times to Siberia (Novosibirsk, Russia) as part of a Music Ministry for his church, and as a musician to compose and perform with Novosibirsk native, Dmitri Fomine. A Few of his Favorites plus: His nickname: "Superfierce" - given to him by his dear friend Gareth King. His wildest dream: "...to be all powerful and to rule the world." His perfect day: "...the days I wake up and feel no pain." Favorite indulgence: Walking around in the least amount of clothes. Favorite participant sport: Sex Favorite musical group: Fleetwood Mac Wanted to be when young: "Who I am now." Favorite place to live: Sydney, Australia In 2004, he acted in the Joseph Graham directed short film, 'Vanilla.' The music playing in the movie was not there at the time of filming and Rio was listening to the remix version of Madonna's "Impressive Instant" in his head in order to keep the rhythm for the rest of the crew.