Born July 13 in North Miami Beach, Gian grew up in and around New York City. After graduating from high school, he returned to Miami where he began his acting career working as an extra in the hit film "Porky's." Convinced that acting would become his life's work, Gian immediately enrolled in acting classes to strengthen his abilities while hitting the audition circuit.
His first sizable film role came when he was cast as a major league center fielder in "Blue Skies Again," which was followed by another feature role in "A Night in Heaven," directed by John G. Avildsen. Motivated by the experience of working on two films, and committed to his growth as an artist, Gian moved to Los-Angeles in 1981, where he immediately found work in television. After completing the made-for-television movie "Happy Endings," he went on to make guest appearances on numerous television series including "The Insiders," "One Big Family," "It's A Living," "T.J. Hooker" and "Highway to Heaven."
Gian first came to national attention when, on a bet from a friend, he sent in a vocal audition tape to "Star Search," and was soon called to appear on the show. Not only did he win the male vocalist category that night, Gian came back to repeat his victory five times, making him one of the semi-finalists for the 1986 season. With the "Star Search" exposure behind him, Gian was soon contacted by Diana Ross to appear as her leading man in two of her music videos, "Eaten Alive" and "Experience." Gian's vocal will be featured in at least one episode of "Knots Landing" this season.
Gian was then featured in two theatrical motion pictures, "Death Before Dishonor" and "The Night Stalker" before landing a guest-starring role on television's "L.A. Law," which led to his two-season run as Officer Rick Silardi, the gay cop in "Hooperman." He recently completed his first feature film starring role in "Mad About You." In Addition to starring in the film, Gian recorded six songs for the vocal soundtrack.
Gian joined the cast od "Knots Landing" last season as Tom Ryan, a mysterious detective whose steamy relationship with Paige Matheson (Nicollette Sheridan) changes the direction of his life.
In his spare time, Gian pursues an avid interest in music, and maintain a strict regimen of boxing and kick boxing to keep in shape. He also restores classic 'muscle cars' and is currently working on his newest acquisition, a 1969 Pontiac LeMans convertible.
Gian is single and resides in Los Angeles. |
