12 Reasons Giovanni Ribisi Is Way More Interesting Than You Think
He's more than just the guy who played the unforgettable Frank Jr. from Friends. Though, that's most likely how you know him best. Giovanni Ribisi is the real deal in Hollywood. With a new series ready to put Ribisi back on the map, the actor is working hard to cement his name as one of the great character actors of his generation.
There are a few interesting things you might not know about Giovanni Rbisi. For instance, the fact that he is one of the most famous celebrities raised as a Scientologist may surprise you. What his parents did for a living and who his twin sister is married to may shock you, too. Read on to discover fascinating stories about Ribisi's life and career.
Beck Is His Brother-In-Law
Photo: Frazier Harrison/Getty Images EntertainmentBeck, the world-famous talented musician, married Ribisi's twin sister, Marisa, and the pair have two children, Cosimo and Tuesday. Even stranger than those unfortunate baby names is the fact that it has been reported by E! Online that Beck's mother actually delivered Giovanni and Marissa when they were born. Since both families were brought up in the Church of Scientology, it is not completely absurd to assume that the families knew each other even then.
He's Been Married Twice - Once To British Model Agyness Deyn
Photo: Riberto Ricciuti/Getty Images EntertainmentRibisi may not be your typical Hollywood heartthrob, but he does okay. The actor has been married twice, first to actress Mariah O'Brien with whom he has a daughter, Lucia, and second to British model Agyness Deyn. Though Ribisi and Deyn split after three years of marriage, it still goes to show that the actor has a way with the ladies.
His Computer Graphics Company Worked On Avatar
Photo: 20th Century FoxNot only did the actor play an important role in the Avatar film, his computer graphics company also did some work on the blockbuster. Is it fair that he can act and help run a successful graphics company? It sure is, because the actor paid his dues in school studying computer graphics.
Ribisi told Time in 2009: "I had gotten involved in CG and visual effects a while back – it’s fascinating to me and ultimately I want to direct, so it’s important to know this part of the language. So I became a partner with the company Stereo D that actually did a portion of the 3-D work for Avatar, converting 2-D images into 3-D."
He Appeared On Friends Before He Was Phoebe's Brother Frank Jr.
Photo: Warner Bros. TelevisonYou loved him as Frank Jr., Phoebe's stunned older brother for whom she birthed triplets on Friends. But, did you know that he appeared on an episode of Friends before his famous guest appearance? In Season 2, Episode 6, Phoebe is playing her guitar on the street outside of Central Park. Ribisi plays the guy that walks by and throws a condom in her guitar case rather than some money. Seems like something Frank Jr. would do.
He Was Part Of The Cast Of Saving Private Ryan And Was Nominated For A SAG Award
Photo: DreamWorks PicturesSnagging the part of an army medic in Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan was no small feat for Ribisi. His part was both memorable and tragic. The 1998 World War II film smashed box offices when it debuted and Ribisi was a major part of the film's success. The cast was even nominated for a SAG award.
The movie catapulted the young actor into the conscience of the mainstream and he's appeared in many films since. His skill earned him some serious Hollywood cred and he's since worked on films like Avatar, Ted, and Gangster Squad.
He's An Active Member Of The Church Of Scientology
Photo: Frazier Harrison/Getty Images EntertainmentRibisi and his twin sister were raised by Albert and Gay Ribisi in the Church of Scientology. Giovanni Ribisi is active in the church he was brought up in and vocal to naysayers. He's so active that Radar online reported he lashed out at Leah Remini for her tell-all show exposing the religion for some seriously questionable behavior. Thankfully, his religion has yet to compromise his acting ability.
He Sort Of Rocked The Cover Of Vanity Fair
Photo: Vanity FairTo be fair, you can't completely rock the cover of Vanity Fair unless you're on it all by yourself. However, that doesn't change the fact that there is a very small, elite list of people who have graced the cover. Ribisi shares the cover with a few other up and comers as they were breaking into the industry. As a character actor, Ribisi is still going strong and shows no signs of slowing down. It's too bad the same can't be said for every person on that cover.
His Teenage Daughter, Lucia, Was Featured In Vogue For Her Menswear
Photo: Hobbes Ginsberg/VogueRibisi's daughter, Lucia, is something of a hip fashion designer at the ripe ol' age of nineteen. She's even been featured in Vogue for her menswear designs. It's been reported that Lucia has left the Church of Scientology, but remains close to her father. Clearly, the creative family tree helped the girl hone her craft and there is no love lost between Lucia and her dad.
His Dad Was A Keyboardist In The Rock Band, The People
Photo: Operation ClambakeTalent apparently runs in the Ribisi family. Father Al Ribisi was a keyboardist in the band People! and mother Gay Ribisi is a talent manager. With two parents knee-deep in the business, it's no wonder Ribisi turned to acting. He had the chops from a young age and his family had the connections.
He Was Nominated For An Emmy For His Work On My Name Is Earl
Photo: 20th Century FoxSure, it's not exactly high-brow television, but the actor turned some heads when he played the character, Ralph, on the clever comedy My Name is Earl. He was nominated for an Emmy for his guest appearance. Ribisi is still on the hunt for a major acting accolade like an Oscar and there's little doubt he'll eventually succeed.
He Plays A Con Man On The Run In His New TV Series, Sneaky Pete
Photo: Amazon VideoIt's one of those, "you have to see this" kind of shows. Giovanni Ribisi's Sneaky Pete is as binge-worthy as anything else right now. Critics and audiences alike are responding well to Ribisi's latest role as a con man on the run. Tim Goodman of the Hollywood Reporter states, "The fantastic new Amazon series starring Giovanni Ribisi as a con man just out of jail comes out of the gates quick and confident — and gets even better from there. It's always a joy when a new show comes racing out of the gate filled with confidence and then continues to prove whatever magic it made in the pilot wasn't a fluke."
That's His Voice In The Virgin Suicides
Video: YouTube
Ribisi isn't onscreen in Sofia Coppola's film adaptation of The Virgin Suicides, but he's a major character nonetheless. He narrates the film, serving as the collective voice of the neighborhood boys who long to get closer to the beautiful, mysterious Lisbon sisters. Skip to 1:35 in the clip to hear a snippet of his work.
Later, Ribisi collaborated with Coppola again on Lost in Translation.
