Leo Grillo

Grillo was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Carmela de Lucia and Leo Francis Grillo, Sr., both Italian-Americans.^[3] Grillo appeared in the 1972 television series Banacek. Grillo majored in theatre at Emerson College in Boston, MA.^[3]

In 1977, Grillo moved from Boston to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a film career. He appeared in the 1977 John Heard film Between the Lines. Grillo studied under the tutelage of Charles E. Conrad, an acting coach credited with launching the film careers of Dee Wallace and Diana Ross, both Academy Award nominees.^{[2][3][better source needed]}

Grillo was the lead actor in Dierdre's Party, a feature film he produced in 1998. Grillo played lead actor, opposite Katherine Heigl, in the 2006 independent film Zyzzyx Road. In 2009, Grillo co-wrote, produced and starred in Magic, opposite Sammi Hanratty, Lori Heuring, Christopher Lloyd and Robert Davi, who directed the movie.^[4]

Grillo and his staff of seventy care for more than 1,500 previously abandoned and abused animals on a daily basis at the D.E.L.T.A. Rescue sanctuary in Glendale, California. According to tax documents, Grillo takes no salary to run the 150-acre No-Kill refuge. Grillo founded Horse Rescue of America in 1988.^[3][5]

In 2008, Grillo created "Animals on the Edge," a global project that allows animals from other nations to benefit from Grillo's initiatives. Grillo co-conceived with wildlife photographer and author Chris Weston a book by the same name. The book identifies those animals currently living on the frontline of extinction.^[6]

Leo Grillo, the 77-year-old founder of the Acton-based Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals (DELTA) Rescue, was arrested on March 3, 2026, for allegedly plotting to kidnap a former employee who won a multi-million dollar judgment against him.

Case Details & Alleged Plot The federal criminal complaint outlines a scheme driven by a legal battle over a $6.7 million wrongful termination and discrimination judgment awarded to the victim in November 2024.

The Plan: Grillo allegedly discussed a plot to kidnap the former employee and her family, transport them to Mexico, and hold them hostage until she agreed to settle the litigation.

The "Documentary" Code: Prosecutors claim Grillo used the term "documentary" or "movie" as a code for the kidnapping. He allegedly offered to pay $100,000 for the operation and suggested using an airfield in Lancaster for the transport.

The Sting: Grillo was communicating with an individual who was secretly cooperating with law enforcement. On the day of his arrest, this individual showed Grillo a staged photo of the "bound" victims. Grillo then reportedly wrote a $10,000 check to further the plan.

Current Status: Grillo is charged with attempted kidnapping, a felony carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. At the time of his arrest, agents reportedly recovered two firearms from his person.

Background on DELTA Rescue Organization: Based in Acton, DELTA Rescue describes itself as the largest no-kill animal sanctuary of its kind, housing approximately 1,500 animals.

Financial Strain: Following the $6.7 million verdict, the organization filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2025 while appealing the judgment.

Grillo is the father of Meguire Elizabeth Grillo and Erica Lee Grillo.^[3]