Louie Mandrapilias
Born into a traditional Greek family in Louisiana, Louie Mandrapilias shares an extraordinary story of identity, addiction, survival, and second chances. His journey took him from New York’s nightlife and international drug smuggling to arrest, relapse, and ultimately sobriety—a commitment he has maintained since 1984. After testing positive for HIV at the height of the AIDS crisis, Louie rebuilt his life in Los Angeles, caring for friends while forging a successful career as an art director and designer. Decades later, he reflects on surviving against the odds, reconciling with his past, and finding gratitude in the life he fought hard to reclaim—a journey he chronicles in his memoir, Flew Too High.