Looks, books…and TV!
Model lands role in new series, The Undetectables

The Smithtown News — March 17, 2005

From modeling on the covers of hundreds of romance novels, to remodeling homes as a contractor on a new reality TV show, Commack native Steve Sandalis life has certainly taken many fascinating turns.

Mr. Sandalis, 36, has parlayed his camera-friendly looks with the skills he learned from his contractor father to become the Contractor/Inspector in The Undetectables, which premiered March 8 on The Discovery Channel. It will have its second airing Tuesday, March 22 at 8 pm. With the airdates for the third and fourth episodes in this series of specials to be announced.

In the show, he is part of a five-person team of experts who search out the unseen and unknown problems within a home, uncovering microscopic germs, bacteria, toxic mold, bugs and more for unsuspecting residents.

"These are situations the average homeowner could really relate to. We go into a home or a fraternity house and find minor things that people can do that would make a big difference, like replacing a sponge or washing your hands," he said.

The 1986 Commack High School South graduate's journey into fame began quite unexpectedly when he was a student at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

"I was on the beach, sunbathing with friends from Commack, when a scout discovered me and said could be the next Fabio. I said, 'who's Fabio?' I flew back to New York and got a big modeling contract with Topaz books," he said.

He was the only model/spokesperson to ever sign an exclusive contract with a leading romance publisher. The "Topaz Man" graced the covers of over 700 romance novels, and his image was on more than 50 million books worldwide. He served as a spokesperson for Topaz books, and appeared on numerous television shows. And, of course, he learned that Fabio was the most famous romance novel cover model of all time.

"The funny thing is I now live in Encino, about a mile from Fabio, and I run into him at places like gas stations," he said. "We're friendly competitors. He's a real nice guy."

In 1996, he decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting, and has since appeared in several films. His move to the West Coast also enabled him to be 3,000 miles closer to his future wife, Katy, a casting director with whom he had been having a long-distance relationship. They wed in 1998 and have a four-year old son, Stefan.

Deciding that he didn't need fame or fortune to be happy, he began a non show-biz career as a contractor. "I learned from working with my father, Mel Sandalis, who was a contractor. I was doing sheetrock when I was 12 years old," he said.

He later opened his own business, Mystic Water Gardens, designing and building waterfalls and/or backyard ponds for clients such as Survivor host Jeff Probst and the drummer for the rock band Velvet Revolver. "Now I'm building a lake in Malibu for a client," he said. "I love doing it, and I get to work outdoors in beautiful weather. What could be better?"

As it turned out, a TV producer heard about his waterfall business and contracting skills, and wanted Mr. Sandalis as a consultant for The Undetectables. But after meeting with him, a decision was made to put him on camera as part of the team. The four specials started taping last November, and the show could become a regular series.

Meanwhile, he is keeping busy with other projects. No longer with Topaz books, he's been contacted by several other companies to do some romance book covers, and will be coming to New York for a few weeks to pursue that opportunity. He appreciates all the wonderful things that have come his way, and he enjoys life to the fullest. When asked which he considers most fun - modeling, acting, building waterfalls, or working on The Undetectables-he said "actually, the most fun is playing hooky with son Stefan. Just going to the beach or going up to the mountains and going sleigh riding, that's what I consider the perfect day."

Although he loves his life in California, "Long Island is where my heart is," he said. "Stefan is gong to be a Jets and Mets fan — no Dodgers and no Raiders."

Long Island is also where most of his family is. His mom, Judy Sandalis, is a waitress at Old Street Pub in Smithtown, his sister and brother-in-law Dena and Chris Polina, live in St. James and own AC Electrical Supplies in Smithtown, and his aunt, Jane Feller lives in Nesconset. He also has many other relatives in the area, and he wants his son to get to know his cousins on Long Island.

Despite having legions of admirers, he remains a modest guy who is still best friends with the buddies he grew up with in Commack. And while he was once ranked by Playgirl magazine as one of the sexiest men in the world, he doesn't view himself as an Adonis.

"My mother thinks I'm handsome, but I think I'm OK," he said.