Photo: Gabriel Goldberg
We all remember Ian Ziering starring as Steve Sanders on the iconic 90’s teen drama, Beverly Hills 90210. 25 yrs later, Ian is enjoying a resurgence that started when he danced his way back into American homes on Dancing With The Stars in 2007. At the age of 49, Ian became a Las Vegas headliner at Chippendales when he joined as celebrity guest host. Ian was asked to return to the show in Summer 2014 for another sold-out run. He also appeared on the recent season of Celebrity Apprentice.
Most memorably, he starred in the small-budget SyFy Channel film Sharknado that became an instant science fiction cult classic that even received a theatrical release in movie theaters around the world. The following year, he reprised the role of Fin Shepard in Sharknado 2: The Second One. The third installment, Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! premieres July 22 on SyFy.
I had the opportunity of interviewing Ian and what I discovered was an extremely thoughtful, intelligent and sensitive man. I was a bit nervous but Ian put me as ease with his enthusiasm…
Phone rings.
Hello.
Hi Ian, this is Daymz, how are you?
I’m doing great. How are you?
I had a bit of a crazy morning but I’m settling in now. Thank you for taking the time to talk. Let’s get started if that’s OK with you?
Yeah man, let’s do it.
With another Sharknado installment on the way, what can fans expect from Part 3?
We haven’t changed the formula, its still sharks in tornadoes but we changed the background. We’re not in New York this time, we’re gonna be in Washington D.C. and the storm takes us all the way down to Orlando, Florida. It’s a family movie. It’s about a guy that will do anything to keep his family safe. It’s going to be out of this world – and that’s a huge hint for ya!
It looks like it would be a really fun movie to make.
It’s a lot of fun! There are more cameos. There will be a lot of surprises. It was not only fun to make but also to watch.
From the moment of receiving the script for the first film to now did you ever imagine it would develop into this wildly popular franchise?
No, I could have never have imagined this. The secret sauce that makes Skarknado special is elusive. Major studios spend tons of money trying to generate this type of buzz.
Your character Fin is notorious for saving lives with a Chainsaw. You started an apparel brand ChainsawBrands.com that plays off that theme with the intent of spreading light and positive actions thought the world. Please explain.
The chainsaw to me, in my character development, is a tool used to overcome obstacles to breakthrough to the next level, to achieve something greater. Last year after Sharknado 2 came out, Tara (Reid) launched a “Shark” inspired fragrance. I thought that was fantastic. I wanted to come up with a brand for myself. Also after I did Apprentice, it opened my eyes to the business potential that is out there.
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I wanted to do something for myself but I always felt success unshared is failure and that’s why a portion of the proceeds goes to others in need. I also wanted to find other ways, besides acting, to provide for my family. Everything I do these days has a philanthropic aspect. When you focus on giving and not on getting it seems to come back to you in other ways.
That’s for sure, it’s definitely an exchange with the universe. To receive for the sake of sharing is what I’m all about too.
Being that you are a former celebrity host at Chippendales, it’s no secret you are in excellent shape. What’s your workout routine?
Well, I want to die young, but late in life. Eating right, exercising and taking care of myself is the key to having the best chance of accomplishing that. You have to be accountable and set a goal. Accountability keeps you focused, using things like a vision board is incredibly useful. I work out five days a week, its hard work but I want to stay sexy naked as long as possible. I don’t get any complaints from my wife (laughs). I also have a two year old and a four year old; I want to dance at their weddings. It’s not just about me anymore.
I commend you. Your fans both straight and gay appreciate it. 🙂
You and your wife, Erin, attended LA Pride with your daughters this year (which is amazing)! My father would not have done such a thing. What do you hope your children will learn from their early exposure to the LGBT community?
Ya know what, love really conquers all. It’s the most motivating force in the universe and it’s not gender specific. I’m sorry to hear your father was not supportive. But you can’t blame him, he’s from a different generation where it was not as acceptable. But that’s changing. I want my kids to know we are all the same, that what really counts is the type of person you are and how you treat others. No one should have a say on who anyone wants to love or be with. In this day and age, love is difficult to find. If you find true love, God bless you. I’m teaching my kids to do their thing. Everyone has to do their thing.
I’m like that with my niece and nephew. I’ve never tried to conceal who I am. They accept me as I am. Over the years, I’ve seen major change happen and I hope we keep moving in that direction.
You can’t stop it – it’s natural, it’s a natural evolution and progression.
Photo via Instagram: @IanZiering
Thank you, Ian for your encouraging words. It’s because of people like you who are helping lead the change. I love the way you think!
I’ve evolved to a place in my life where I just want to be a good person for my family and everything else is just noise. I can’t always be right but I try my best in everything that I do. Thank you as well, if you have any further questions, send me a text and I’ll make myself available.
I took Ian up on his offer, not to ask a question but to rejoice. The following day after our interview, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriages in all 50 states. Ian was right on the money, the revolution and evolution of love is unstoppable!!
Follow Ian on Twitter and Instagram: @IanZiering
Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! premieres July 22nd 9/8c on SyFy.