BIO « Ruth Amber Gristak

BIO

Amber Gristak is a two-time bestselling author (You Can’t Buy a Halo and EMOETRY); former newspaper editor and has acted in top films and television series. She leads a Top-10 Business Group on Myspace and has received millions of views to her personal You Tube page.

In 2009, the former Ohio University Bobcat became involved with the International Center for Autism Research & Education, Icare4autism, as the Director of New Media. She is focused on increasing public awareness of autism and connecting with those touched by the neurological disorder.

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“I refuse to ask G-d for what I want.

I only ask G-d to give me the best for me…

I learned this after asking for all the wrong things,”

. . . Ruth Amber Gristak . . .

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F U L L B I O G R A P H Y

Amber adores animals, such as her chihuahua, Pepper Shaker

Four short days after stepping into New York City, Amber Gristak landed a role as a political supporter, in the film “Maid in Manhattan.” Audiences everywhere were surprised as they watched the blooper that made the final cut. The scene showed Ralph Fiennes calling Gristak by her real name before she introduces herself.

Gristak accredits her crash course into the world of film to her work as a stand-in and photo double for Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, directed by Michelle Gondry. Following this experience, Gristak landed a reoccurring spot as a student, for two seasons on NBC’s popular sitcom, ED. During this time Gristak auditioned and was selected to perform the monologue “My Short Skirt” in Eve Ensler’s highly acclaimed Vagina Monologues. Gristak has stayed connected with the organization.

In February 2007, Gristak took a role behind the scenes to cast and co-coordinate two performances of the Vagina Monologues in New York City. Gristak continues to take an active role in the betterment of society through her philanthropy and regular donations to various charity organizations. Gristak continues to be open and to ways to donate her time to noble causes.

In 2003, Gristak began training her vocals with industry staple Craig Derry. Derry has worked with such household names as Etta James, Mark Anthony, Michael Jackson, and Mary J. Blidge, Ashanti, The Backstreet Boys. Plus, he’s developed new comers such as Sean Kingston, Kevin Little and more. Derry says, “Amber has, not only, the sound but the idealism that the world is waiting for!”

Gristak spent 2004 as the main host on the IMM Show. Designers such as the prestigious Diane Von Furstenberg contributed full racks of clothing for Gristak to keep and pull from. The IMM Show filmed in both New York City and Los Angeles, California. Initial broadcast of The IMM Show began on ITV (UK number One). Shortly after, the show’s broadcast was extended to ITV’s sibling stations around Europe and Asia. The IMM Show was later remade in French.

(L/R) Amber Gristak presents an NY Independent Film and Video Award to Renata Lorenc

Gristak was chosen to be a co-host for the NY Independent Film and Video Awards. Designer Betsey Johnson jumped on board to dress Gristak fro the event. Following the awards, Gristak began working with various casting directors on her auditioning skills at The Actors Connection in New York City.

Gristak was then offered the chance to play “Leon’s Mistress,” a street-talking tough-girl confined in a detention home, in the film “House of D” directed by David Duchovny. Following this Gristak was offered and accepted the role as a “Well Wisher” in the independent film “Hard Rock.” Then in late summer 2005, Gristak was asked back to the Independent Film Awards to be the Main Host. Following the event, Gristak was inspired by the ceremony and decided to tune in on her acting skills. She auditioned and was cordially invited to attend the prestigious William Esper Studio.

Amber Gristak stands with Serena Girardi at a private event to benefit the Outreach for Breast Health Foundation

Early 2006, Gristak contributed the poem “Grandma Tell Me Again” to be used in the book “Beyond Memories.” The book was released and sold by the Outreach for Breast Health Foundation (OFBH) to raise money to fund mobile mammogram stations and promote the early detection of breast cancer. After the success of the books initial release the OFBH has continued to sell copies of the book at their other events, fundraisers and auctions.

A devoted fan wears an "Amber Loves Me" T-shirt to the 2006 release party for "O.F.O.N: String of Consciousness."

In late Fall 2006, Gristak released her first compilation book, O.F.O.N: String of Consciousness. This literary venture highlighted many of Gristak’s artistic talents. In mid-June 2007, Gristak released, EMOETRY, her first short compilation of concepts, mantras and poetry. The Amazon Shorts exclusive became the number one best-selling short by the end of the first week.

In the months following the U.S release of EMOETRY, Amazon Shorts began releasing EMOETRY in their other markets. When all releases are final, EMOETRY will also be available in United Kingdom, Canada and translated versions will be available in Austria, Germany, France and Japan.

In early August 2007, Gristak was selected as a favorite author on Amazon. As well as featured in a video about EMOETRY on Amazon Shorts MY SPACE page. By late August, a different video of Gristak speaking about EMOETRY, debuted on front page of Amazon Shorts.

Gristak’s short compilation, You Can’t Buy a Halo, was released by Amazon on November 30th, 2007. The work quickly became a best seller. Within a few weeks, it was her second Number-1 best seller., with the Top-10 website.

In February 2008, Amazon placed a promotional video of Gristak, talking about ‘You Can’t Buy a Halo’, on the front page of their Amazon Shorts sector.

In May of 2008, Gristak decided to diversify her career portfolio and dive into the news media world. She landed a job as the Assistant Editor of the weekly niche-newspaper the Jewish Voice. In October of 2008, Gristak was promoted to Supervising Editor.

(L/R) Mike Jerrick with Amber Gristak

Then, in late March 2009, the seasoned news professional, released two long overdue side-projects, back to back. The first was her anticipated compilation, ‘Lovesick.’ The second ‘Positively Magic’ was a self-help piece that she had never intended to release. Both were published as promotional pieces by Bryber Books of Bryber, LLC.

In early of spring of 2009, Gristak was asked to go on the “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet,” on FOX [tv] to discuss her recent breakup. She received 100+ emails of support within the first hour after the show aired live on April 24th, 2009.

In May of 2009, Gristak made her debut into the world of Online News Media. Her first article was received fabulously by audiences of the popular Jewish website “Yeshiva World.” It become one of the two most commented articles of the day.

Amber holds a child at the opening night gala for the 2009 New York Independent Film and Video Festival

Shortly after her online news debut, Gristak became connected with Icare4autism- The International Center for Autism Research and Education. She currently serves as the Director of New Media for the groundbreaking non-profit.