Mark Steven Porro, a New Jersey native (Exit 163), holds an Industrial Design degree from The Ohio State University. After years of agency work, his love of acting led him to Hollywood, where he appeared in dozens of television, film, and theatre productions. Mark also spent his twenty-eight years in Hollywood, entrepreneuring. He started five non-profit companies. But hold the applause, none were intended to be. He now lives in the South of France. But hold your pity. He of sound mind and body chose to suffer in the heart of wine country where the locals insist his French isn’t so bad—at least that’s what he thinks they’re saying.

Mark is an award-winning designer, writer, and director. He has written lots of jokes, several screenplays, and one award-winning short film. A Cup of Tea on the Commode—a sad, sweet, and funny memoir—chronicles his adventures of filling his mother’s last years with love, laughter, and joy. Though not always successful, he came pretty damn close. And he survived to tell the tale. WriteLife Publishing will release the book to the world on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

I have a beautiful apartment in the historic centre of Pézenas, France which I am sharing with others.

I first visited Pézenas in April, 2015 and quickly fell in love with the village and its friendly people, so much so that I bought this apartment. I decided to share it with others so they, too, had the opportunity to discover and enjoy Pézenas and live like a local.