Guide Note

Giovanni Ribisi is an American actor who starred in the hit Steven Spielberg movie, Saving Private Ryan. Ribisi's early acting credits include The New Leave it to Beaver, The Wonder Years and My Two Dads.

Ribisi went on to star in other film and television shows like Highway to Heaven, Friends, Walker, Texas Ranger, That Thing You Do, The Postman, The Mod Squad, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Cold Mountain, Flight of the Phoenix and Perfect Stranger. He currently be seen in his reoccurring role on My Name is Earl. His next movies Avatar and Public Enemies will be released in 2009.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: Antonino Giovanni Ribisi
2. Born: December 17, 1974
3. Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
4. Italian-American descent
5. Twin brother to Marissa Ribisi
6. Married Mariah O'Brien in 1997
7. Divorced first wife in 2001
8. Daughter from first marriage
9. Is a Scientologist

1. "I didn't have to do a whole lot of work on the character. I'm just kiddin." — Giovanni Ribisi on portraying a mentally challenged character
2. "I played a cancer patient and it was kind of weird, because I was nine years old. I was forming an identity. I had to shave my head and there was part of me that thought it was kind of cool, but at the same time, there were people asking, "Are you OK?" — Giovanni Ribisi on his appearance in Highway to Heaven
3. "I thought marriage was something the Egyptians invented to prevent the spread of venereal disease." — Giovanni Ribisi on his attitude towards marriage as a teen#
4. "If I had to choose criteria, for me, it's about first the director. I want to be a part of something that's good and intellectually challenging. After the director it's the character and the story. That's the deal for me. Oh, and the cast. It's important to know you're going to be working with people who want to work and who aren't just going to be phoning things in." — Giovanni Ribisi on roles he chooses
5. "It was extremely useful to grow up in front of the camera. It gives the camera no significance. I think it helped me have perspective on things. The attraction that Hollywood can have, I feel like I'm over that. Instead I just concentrate on acting." — Giovanni Ribisi on growing up in front of the camera