Ian Gomez Bio - Biography

Name Ian Gomez
Height
Naionality American
Date of Birth 27 December 1964
Place of Birth New York City, New York, USA
Famous for
New York City-born and bred Ian Gomez decided to become a professional actor when he was a member of Chicago's celebrated Second City comedy troupe. During his seven-year tenure with the company, he perfected his craft as a comedic actor and developed effective improvisational skills. In 1993, Gomez made his feature debut in a cameo role as an odd hotel bellman in the baseball-themed Rookie of the Year, directed by Daniel Stern, and landed a more bigger part that same year in Jon Hess' action Excessive Force, playing Lucas. Two years later, he turned to television and took on guest roles as a mimicking secretary candidate in two episodes of the CBS popular sitcom “Murphy Brown” (1995-1996) and as a car wash worker on an episode of Fox's “Married With Children” (1995).

It was also in 1995 that Gomez began one of his triumphant recurring roles on the ABC acclaimed comedy series “The Drew Carey Show” (1995-2004). He was so impressive as antagonistic and expedient co-worker Larry that he was regularly invited to return to the show throughout its nine-year run. While working on the show, the gifted comic player also appeared on the Los Angeles stage in “What is Art” (1997) and was featured in two movies, 'Till There Was You and Paul Tarantino's Courting Courtney (both 1997). He also had a two-episode appearance as a hotel employee on Fox's drama “Melrose Place” (1998).

1998 also saw Gomez join the cast of the New York City-set drama “Felicity” in the recurring role of Javier, a flamboyantly gay manager who employs the title college student. His character was made into a regular during the show's final season in 2002. Gomez went on to appear in the film Meet Prince Charming (1999), opposite wife Nia Vardalos, and the Ron Howard-directed comedy Edtv (1999), which starred Matthew McConaughey, before being booked in a regular role on ABC's immediate hit, “The Norm Show” (1999-2001). Here he played Danny Sanchez, a fellow worker of the titular ex-hockey player (played by Norm MacDonald).

Gomez was featured as a delivery man in the drama film The Center of the World (2001), acted alongside John Mahoney and Virginia Madsen in the independent film Almost Salinas (2001), directed and written by Terry Green, and rejoined wife Nia Vardalos in the highly successful comedy romantic My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), which was written by and starred his wife. He also had a supporting role in Vardalos' follow-up, Connie and Carla (2004). In between, Gomez found himself taking on supporting parts in movies like Chasing Pepi (2003), Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003) and The Last Shot (2004), as well as offering a hilarious guest spot as a bald chef in two episode of the HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (2002).

Next, Gomez teamed up with Elizabeth Keener and Dana Delany for Liz Lachman's short Getting to Know You (2005), portrayed a detective named Gallecki in the comedy film Underclassman (2005), opposite Nick Cannon, as well as appeared in an episode of the ABC comedy series “Jake in Progress” (2005), starring John Stamos. He also played Dr. Bob on the Jeff Morris-directed/written comedy You Did What (2006) as well as guest starred in the TV series “Lost” (2006), “Campus Ladies” (2 episodes, 2006-2007) and “Heroes” (2007).

The ALMA award-winning actor will appear as Mo Saltzman in the upcoming comedy film Love Shack (2007). On the small screen, he is set to star in the CBS sitcom “The Beast” (2008).

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