His father's ancestry is Jewish and his mother's is Italian. Max was raised by his mother; he was never that close to his father so Max took her name, Casella, before he ever thought about having a career. His birth name is actually Max Deitch.
Although he often plays New Yorkers, he actually grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His parents are from New York and they taught him to speak with a New York accent. He moved to New York after high school and has lived there for most of his life.
Was in the original Broadway cast of "The Lion King" playing Timon. Won
the Theatre World award for Outstanding Broadway Debut, as well as a
Drama Desk nomination.
(December 2000-2001) Co-Starred on Broadway in "The Music Man" as Marcellus
Washburn.
Alumnus of the AADA (American Academy of Dramatic Arts), Class of 1987.