Not satisfied with commercials or videos Verona moved on to write, produce and co-direct his first feature film, “The Lords of Flatbush”. This is the film that launched the careers of Sylvester Stallone, Henry Winkler, and Richard Gere, who were all discovered by Verona.

He gave Gladys Knight her first acting role in “Pipe Dreams” which led to 2 Golden Globe Nominations, one for “New Star of the Year” and Best Original Song, “So Sad the Song”. He came full circle with Lee Strasberg when Lee and Ruth Gordon and Janet Leigh starred in Verona’s powerful motion picture “Boardwalk”.
All during his film making days, Verona always photographed and painted.

His paintings and photographs are in important collections and Museums throughout the world. In 2008 the Getty Museum acquired his photography for their permanent collection. He has won over 100 Awards for his work. In 2009 he was invited to join an exclusive group of artists from around the world for an Audience with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican for His address to artists. This is the first time a Pope has hosted artists in the Sistine Chapel since the Renaissance. This was a major validation of Verona’s work.
Vanity Fair Magazine has said of his “Holy Men – Medicine Men – Mad Men gallery exhibit: “Stephen Verona’s work recalls the greatness of Steichen and Weegee with all of the passion of Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. A must see!”

Verona has won over 100 awards for his prolific art and films. He is in outstanding collections throughout the world. He continues to live in Bel Air California and the south of France.

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