The New York native moved from Chicago in 1994 to try to get his big break, which occurred when he landed the recurring role on "The Drew Carey Show".

Ian is an alumnus of Chicago's ImprovOlympia improvisation troupe. Fellow members include the late Chris Farley, Jon Favreau, Pat Finn, Tim Meadows, and Rachel Drach.

Of Puerto Rican, Jewish and Greek extraction.

Married to actress Nia Vardalos (1993-present).