How a YouTube employee landed a role in the Bruce Springsteen biopic

How a YouTube Employee Landed a Role in the Bruce Springsteen Biopic

By Joel Meares, Contributor, YouTube Official Blog, November 4, 2025

A Surprising Transformation

Late last year, Mike Chiavaro began arriving at the office with what he jokingly described as “gigantic sideburns.” The YouTube Music Content Operations Manager, typically known for his neat look, caught the attention of his coworkers.

“I told people I’d lost a bet,” Mike says with a laugh.

In truth, his new style had nothing to do with a wager—it was part of a much bigger story.

The Unexpected Call

Just before growing out his sideburns, Mike received a call from a casting director for Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic. She needed someone to portray E Street Band bassist Garry Tallent, and Mike, a lifelong bassist with experience performing alongside artists such as Richard Marx and Derek Trucks, came highly recommended.

Filming would take four weeks spread over three months. Along with the new facial hair, a non-disclosure agreement was required—though Mike could tell his boss about the exciting news.

A Lifelong Connection to the Music

Having spent his life near New Jersey, where Springsteen himself grew up, Mike had always felt close to the music. His years playing in a wedding band made him familiar with hits like “Dancing in the Dark.”

“I’d been listening to and playing Bruce’s music my whole life,” Mike says. “This was like a dream.”

Author’s Summary

Mike Chiavaro, a YouTube Music operations manager, was unexpectedly cast as Garry Tallent in the Bruce Springsteen biopic after years of performing and loving Springsteen’s music.

YouTube Official Blog — 2025-11-04