Since his appearance in "Revenge of the Nerds" 20 years ago, Andrew has continued working in varied mass media and theater, from voice-overs to being a field producer for the Channel 5 news in New York. However, his true passion is the stage.

"I live in New York, and I have done a bit of voice over, but mainly I have been on Broadway, and doing Shakespeare off Broadway."

Cassese’s Broadway credits are nothing to scoff at. They include the smash hits "Nine," and "Smile" where he acted along side Howard Achman. Beyond the stage and silver screen, Andrew has had his share of TV spots as well.

"I see that you have been reading my IMDb profile," he cracks.

His TV credits include an episode of Facts of Life, along with a cameo on the original "Law and Order," which was one of his favorite roles.

"Oh! I played a reporter and I had a big scene with Vince D’Onofrio, there were fifteen extras, I really had only one line, but working with him was a big thrill."

Andrew is no stranger to wild scenes. In the first "Revenge of the Nerds" movie, he sat in front of a soft-core pornographic video as part of a prank played by the Lambdas. So did the director really place a twelve year old in front of a dirty movie?

"Ha! No, when we taped I had no idea what was supposed to be on the TV, just how I was supposed to react to it. I did not see it until the premiere, and then only because I was in [the movie]. When I saw it finally, I was thirteen by the time the movie came out, I was a little self conscious, because I was watching myself in that scene with my family around me. That was weird."

Of course, by design the cast appears to be a weird group themselves. They also stuck together much like the characters they played. Still one must wonder, was there a lot of wackiness on the set?

"Definitely, but everyone there was just great, it was a very tight knit cast."

So, everyone was professional, though the cast still had its fun. But what about Curtis Armstrong? The wildman of the movie must have been a little crazy.
"Actually, he is a very fun guy, but he is not disgusting or out of hand. He is very funny, very supportive of his co-workers, and he helped me to be a better actor. There was this one scene, I don’t even remember which one, but I could not stop laughing, I just could not get my line out without cracking up. Curtis put his hand on my shoulder and took me for a walk and we talked for a while, and after his advice, I did not have another problem."

A little of every actor goes into the character they are playing. Andrew was no exception; in fact, a lot of him went into that role. He admits that the way he was at that age was adequate for the part alone.

"My hair and glasses in that movie were mine, not wardrobe. I very much was, and still am, a nerd."

Being who and what he was, Andrew was made for the part from the get go - or maybe it was the other way around. The casting call only provided more proof.

"I walked in dressed normally and the director laughed and said that I was born for the part."

Being "nerdy" became Cassese’s calling card. However, did being typecast in such a way bother the man ever?

"Problems?" he dismisses the thought. "It’s my niche, I have made my career out of it."

Acting the nerd is one thing, but can he really call himself a nerd? The test comes when I ask about his computer programming skills.

"I do HTML programming for friends, but that is about it."

In the end, he was there when the nerd revolution sparked, with a classic film to tell the tale. Though, does HE feel that the Tri-Lambs have earned their place of honor amongst nerds, in the pocket protector revolution against the jocks? And, why is it that we love these films so much?

"I believe that Revenge of the Nerds was at the forefront of the nerd revolution, the true underdog victory, and that is the reason for the movies lasting power."

Andrew Cassese will be playing with his as-yet-unnamed band at the Sidewalk Café in New York City on Sept. 15.