Ian Paola

Ian Paola

Ian Paola was born on September 4th 1978 in New York City. As both of his parents were musicians, he grew up heavily influenced and inspired by many genres of music and hoped to one day make it in the entertainment industry. Determined to follow in his parents footsteps and be involved in the music industry one way or another, he became inspired by the early Hip Hop music scene and began break dancing at the early age of 5. By the age of 11 Ian began writing & performing his own rap songs and by the age of 15 he began to DJ parties in his neighborhood. In his late teens he began producing, writing, recording and mixing songs for local talent. Throughout all this time, he always wanted to take a shot at acting but was always occupied with music production. It wasn't until Ian was checking online looking for a quick paying weekend gig to make ends meet and came across an ad to do background work for a major Hollywood film. After spending countless hours on set, Ian realized that it was in front of the camera where he belonged and not in the back going unnoticed. Wasting no time, Ian began training to work on his craft with some of the best coaches in New York City. He has appeared in over 30 projects which include film, television, new media & stage plays in less than two years taking on many roles including a heroin junkie, transvestite, New York Police officer and gangster to name a few. He continues to work on various projects & his recent credits include recurring roles as Yadriel on Netflix's "Orange Is The New Black", Rey Armas on ABC's "Conviction" & Uriel in Starz "Power".
Ian Petrella

Ian Petrella

Ian Petrella started his acting career at the age of three, a suggestion by an Aunt who worked at the Herb Tannen Talent Agency. Ian was presented a contract and a S.A.G. card after his very first audition. Through the years he appeared in numerous television commercials and T.V. shows. In 1983 Ian landed the part of Randy Parker in the now classic holiday film "A Christmas Story". It wouldn't be till later in his career when Ian would receive any kind of recognition for the role, but it was this film that put him into the hearts of millions. Through his teen years Ian continued acting, and later began to study comedy improv. He trained at L.A's famous Groundlings Comedy Theater. At age 17 he was the youngest person ever to audition, and be accepted to attend classes. Performing for small audiences around L.A. Ian earned his comedy chops. Acting wasn't enough for Ian's creative juices; he wanted to explore more avenues of the entertainment business. He got a small gig as a P.A. on a new puppet show. Ian discovered that he was pretty good with puppets and that begin his career as a puppeteer. This landed him a few gigs on Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, and a great opportunity to work on a Jim Henson project. After the millennium the work seemed to slow down and Ian quit acting and show business altogether. He turned in his S.A.G. card for a passport and left for Europe. During his six-month escape, Ian got a chance to study and learn the art of marionette puppetry in the Czech Republic. Ian decided it was time to come home, not to L.A., but to San Francisco, where he studied film and performed puppetry independently for film and stage. While in school Ian discovered animation. This was good discovery since Ian was running out of money to perform and make puppets. Ian still continues his passion with cartooning to this day. As destiny would have it, Ian received a call from a gentleman inviting him to the 20th anniversary of "A Christmas Story". Rekindling with cast member and friends from his past, prompted Ian to give Hollywood another shot. With a new spark of inspiration to get his name back in the spot light, Ian could once again re-light a fire that he thought died out a long time ago. Settling back in Los Angeles CA., Ian co-founded a production company creating web content and producing various animated shorts. Today Ian continues to tour and make appearances during the holiday season along with the rest of the cast of "A Christmas Story", bringing back fond memories to thousands of fans old and new.

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