Bruiser Helps Heal the Bruised

A swift hit to the jaw of Danny Ocean in Oceans 11 and Bruiser (AKA Scott L. Schwartz) was further known as the ultimate bad guy. Schwartz, is the guy who beats the crap out of everyone…in movies.

In real life, Schwartz is a gentle giant. Standing six foot ten, he is known to visit hospitals and raising money for charity as he recently did in the south suburbs of Chicago.

“ I am granted the same gift on each and every hospital visit that I do,” said Schwartz.

Walking down the hospital corridor at Franciscan St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights Illinois, Schwartz was easily recognized. CMO, Dr. Daniel Netluch of St. James jokingly grabbed the actor in a headlock. “ I don’t allow many people to do this,” joked Schwartz.

Stopping in the rooms on orthopedic rehab floor, Schwartz brightened the smiles of several staff and patients.

“ When I enter the room, usually the patients look as though they were waiting at the “Gates of Hell”, said Schwartz. “ When I leave the room, every one of the patients (Including hospital staff and family) look as if they have spent the day at DISNEYLAND!”

As Schwartz entered the room of Josie Schmiedeck from Chicago Heights, her pain vanished. Posing for photos and getting an autograph, her husband, Ben, a veteran who served in Iraq, joined her. “ This is one story for the water cooler,” said Schmiedeck.

Jeff Lebioda, Marketing and Public Relations for Franciscan St. James was impressed as he escorted Schwartz through the ward.

“ The time Scott Schwartz spent with some of the patients and their family members in our orthopedic rehab unit was memorable and priceless,” said Lebioda. “ He was very witty and playful yet respectful and courteous to the patients that were recovering from their procedures. Some even commented that they forgot about their pain during his time with them,” he added.

The actor didn’t stop there. He got an address of the spouse of a hospital employee who is a big fan. After posing with some of the nurses, Schwartz was ready to go back to helping friend Juan Hernandez raise some funds for Alicia’s House food pantry located in South Chicago Heights. Schwartz has been helping out non-profits for years.

“I have had quite a successful run of fundraisers,” said Schwartz. “ I have a few Ultra-favorites. Alicia’s House in South Chicago Heights. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots”-nationwide. The American Cancer Society-Worldwide.”

Schwartz began helping out when his sister tragically lost her life to lung cancer at the age of 37.

“ A lot of what I do, charity-wise, has everything to do with her, Schwartz said. “ I thrive to memorialize her in some way. As long as I keep mentioning her-she will NEVER truly be dead.”

Between making cameo roles in movies and TV series such as Castle and The Mentalist, Schwartz continues to use his free time to be the Good Guy.

“My interpretation of “Charity” is this; one that gives something to another, no matter how big or small,” he adds. “I take people away from misery, and replace it to fill the void, with HAPPINESS. That is why I visit hospitals worldwide. As long as my legs keep carrying me.....I’m going keep going!”

To donate to Alicia’s House Food Pantry in South Chicago Heights, go to www.aliciashouse.org. To contact Scott, you can e-mail him at TVthug@aol.com