Biographie
Born and raised in Bergen County, NJ, Gary's early life revolved around athletics, influenced by his father, a semi-pro athlete and coach. His goal was to play professional football, but a severe knee injury ended that path. Still passionate about sports, he wrestled and participated in intramurals at the University of Florida while earning a degree in Physical Education. However, fate led him elsewhere. Having played the saxophone since age nine, he was recruited to join a fifties and sixties band in Orlando. Welcoming a change from athletics and teaching, he accepted the offer, not realizing it would launch a new career.
During his music career, Gary had the privilege of performing with legends such as Dick Dale, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, The Coasters, Mary Wilson, Air Supply, Junior Walker, The Shirelles, Sonny Turner, Johnny Rivers, The Association, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, The Crystals, Gary Puckett, Gary US Bonds, Johnny Maestro, Lou Christie, DJ Fontana, Marty Stuart, The Comets, and many others. His entry into the film industry happened somewhat by chance.
While living in South Florida, Gary was offered a role as an extra in the film Spring Break, which captured the wild atmosphere of Fort Lauderdale clubs where he worked. He appeared prominently in several scenes, catching the eye of a producer working on a similar film, Spring Fever USA, who offered him a supporting role. This opportunity sparked his interest in acting. He went on to appear in teen comedies like Porky's 2 and 3, Coco Bay Bed Race with Dana Plato, and a couple of Smokey and the Bandit films.
Though enjoying acting, Gary became fascinated with the filmmaking process behind the scenes. To pursue this passion, he returned to New York for formal training, graduating from the Center for Media Arts and studying at the Lee Strasberg Institute. He further honed his craft at the American Stage Conservatory at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ, under acclaimed actor Paul Sorvino.
Seeking more film opportunities, Gary moved to Los Angeles, studying with Clu Gulager and Arlene Golonka. While adapting to the scene there, he secured acting roles alongside Denzel Washington in Heart Condition and Tony Danza in Who's the Boss. Simultaneously, he developed his own projects and expanded into roles such as producer, director, videographer, production manager, and location manager. He co-produced the Erica Estrada/Paul Smith film Caged Fury and served as Associate Producer on the campy comedy South Beach Academy, starring Corey Feldman, James Hong, and Al Lewis.
Returning to Florida, Gary wrote, produced, and directed the fifties-style musical variety sitcom Harmony Street, which aired nationally on the Nostalgia Cable Network. His other projects include the short documentary Joe Franklin - Down Memory Lane and a pilot for The Human Race, a series about disabled athletes that received acclaim at the Paralympic Congress Disability Film Festival.
Throughout his theatrical career, Gary has remained active in athletics, competing in numerous triathlons, adventure races, and Xterras. He developed a passion for working with disabled athletes, reflected in his related projects. Additionally, he discovered a love for horses, taking up riding and producing rodeo videos. As of 2018, he is developing a modern-day western TV series set to be produced in Arizona.
