About Me

Hi, I’m Marvin Applegate — a German-American actor, zoologist and dog trainer.
I was born and raised in rural Germany, surrounded by nature, farm animals, and dogs. That environment shaped me early and led me to earn my B.Sc. in Biology at the University of Hannover, followed by an M.Sc. in Organismic Biology, Evolutionary Biology, and Paleobiology in Bonn. 

As I pursued science, a different passion kept growing: acting. I’d always been drawn to storytelling, character, and the emotional truth that film and theatre can capture. After finishing my degree, I chose to follow that calling. I packed up, moved to the United States, and began formal acting training in Florida.

My stage debut came with The Diary of Anne Frank, playing the Jewish dentist Mr. Dussel — a role that resonated deeply with me. I grew up hearing my German grandparents’ stories of World War II, and portraying a character from that time gave me a personal connection to my own history.

Since then, I’ve continued advancing my training and experience in both stage and film. Most recently, I played Jonathan Brewster — the villain in the farcical classic Arsenic and Old Lace at the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse. The role challenged me physically and emotionally, and affirmed how much I enjoy diving into complex, layered characters.

Today, I split my time between acting and dog training, combining my scientific understanding of behavior with my love of performance and storytelling. My background in zoology, years of intercultural experience, and work across many different professions give me a grounded, human perspective that I bring to every role. I’m drawn to projects with heart — stories that explore truth, connection, and the nuances of the human experience.

I’m currently seeking new creative collaborations in stage and film. If you’re a filmmaker, artist, or fellow creative looking for a committed, authentic actor, let’s connect. I’d love to help bring meaningful stories to life together.