The son of a military father and country singer mother, Gann grew up in Brisbane.At 14, while attending an all-boys school, Gann discovered his love for comedy when he performed as Suzanne, leader of the can-can dancers in a high school production of Paint Your Wagon. After high school, he went on to study acting at the University of Southern Queensland
Immediately following his studies, Gann moved to Brisbane where he continued studying theatre and music. He worked in children's theatre at the Twelfth Night Theatre
for several years, performing in dozens of shows. He also played lead
roles and toured the country in several comedy theatre productions for
that theatre company. He developed and starred in several seasons of the
Arts Council-funded play Keep Everything You Love, for which he won the Del Arte Award for Best Male Actor 1997.
"Wilfred" and Australian TV
In 2001, Gann wrote and produced several short films in 2002. "Wilfred" went on to screen at festivals including Sundance Film Festival
Gann won the Tropfest Best Male Actor award again in 2003 for Buried. He then appeared in Australian feature films including Gettin' Square, Thunderstruck, The Illustrated Family Doctor, and Kenny.
In 2004, for Australian TV, Gann appeared in two episodes of Blue Heelers and had a cameo on Kath and Kim. In 2006, Gann wrote and starred in 52 episodes of the sketch comedy show The Wedge on Australia's Network TenMark Loves Sharon. The following year, Gann created and played the title character for the Australian comedy series Wilfred, based on the short film. It ran for two seasons, both of which went on to win awards at Tropfest in 2007 and 2009.
In 2007 and 2010, Gann was nominated for an AFI AwardWilfred and in 2010 he won for Best Screenplay in a Television Series. In 2011, Gann was nominated for a Silver LogieWilfred.citation needed]
US television
In 2010, Gann sold the Australian format of Wilfred to the U.S. network FXFamily Guy executive producer David Zuckerman signed on to co-star with Gann. The Wilfred debut became FX's highest-rated comedy series debut.
Personal life
Gann resides in West Hollywood. An animal lover, he is a celebrity spokesperson for multiple animal rights, California
In 2007, Gann assaulted a shuttle bus driver, Joseph Hosny, whom he repeatedly punched in the face after being refused entry.
Gann pleaded guilty to criminal assault charges in May 2008 and
received a bond without conviction, allowing him to work in the United
States. Hosny brought a civil suit against him, claiming that the
incident caused depression and post traumatic stress disorder, leaving
him unable to work for over five years. Gann was ordered to pay $325,000
to Joseph Hosny. Gann claimed that though he initially wanted to fight
the allegations, he received advice that if he were found guilty, his
American acting career would be in jeopardy. Via social media platforms,
Gann spoke out in an effort to assure his fans that he is not a violent
person.
Gann was awarded the Australian GQ Comedian of the Year Award for 2011, and was nominated for the annual Golden Collar Award, normally given solely to canine performers.
Filmography
Film
Year
Title
Role
Notes
2003
Ain't Got No Jazz
Intruder
2003
Gettin' Square
Wood-Duck Frank
2004
Thunderstruck
Robbo
2005
The Illustrated Family Doctor
Carl Lucas
2006
Kenny
Buggy victim's friend
2007
Rats and Cats
Writer
Television
Year
Title
Role
Notes
2006–2007
The Wedge
Various characters
Writer
2007–2010
Wilfred
Wilfred
Creator, writer
2008
Mark Loves Sharon
Mark Wary
Co-creator, writer, executive producer
2008
Jason and the Residents
Jason
2008
Comedy Gold
Himself
2008
9am with David & Kim
Himself / Mark Wary
1 episode
2009
The Squiz
2 episodes
2011–present
Wilfred
Wilfred
Creator, writer
Theatre
Year
Title
Role
Notes
2007
'Allo 'Allo!
Herr Otto Flick
Twelfth Night Theatre
