Zen Gesner Biography: Wife, Children, Movies, TV Series, Awards, Height, Parents, Age, Net Worth, Siblings

Zen Brant Gesner, also known as Zen Gesner, is an American actor and producer, best known for his roles as Sinbad in the syndicated series The Adventures of Sinbad (1996–1998) and Braden Lavery in the ABC soap opera All My Children (1997–1998).

With a career spanning comedic films with the Farrelly Brothers and dramatic television roles, Gesner’s adventurous spirit and versatile performances have earned him a dedicated following.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Zen Brant Gesner
  • Stage Name: Zen Gesner
  • Born: June 23, 1970
  • Age: 56 years old
  • Birthplace: Van Nuys, California, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Occupation: Actor, Producer
  • Height: 182 cm
  • Religion: Unknown
  • Parents: Harry Gesner, Nan Martin
  • Siblings: Casey Martin Dolan, Jason Gesner, Tara Tanzer-Cartwright
  • Spouse: Cynthia Farrelly Gesner (m. 1995)
  • Children: Finn Harry Gesner, Rory Farrelly Gesner, Tuck John Gesner
  • Relationship: Married
  • Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million

Early Life and Education

Zen Brant Gesner was born on June 23, 1970, in Van Nuys, California, to Harry Gesner, an architect, and Nan Martin, a stage and screen actress. Raised in a creative family, he has three half-siblings from his parents’ prior marriages: Casey Martin Dolan (a musician), Jason Gesner, and Tara Tanzer-Cartwright.

His ethnicity is Caucasian with a diverse heritage including German, English, Irish, French, Norwegian, and Mexican roots. As a child, Gesner was musically inclined, playing piano and trumpet.

He attended Santa Monica High School, where he landed the role of Hamlet, sparking his passion for acting. After high school, he trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), earning an advanced certificate from The Society of British Fight Directors for his fencing skills.

Career

Gesner’s acting career began with a minor role as an FBI agent in Dumb and Dumber (1994). His breakthrough came as Sinbad in The Adventures of Sinbad (1996–1998), filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, where he honed his acrobatics, rock climbing, and free-falling skills.

He played the villainous Braden Lavery in All My Children (1997–1998). Gesner frequently collaborated with his brothers-in-law, Peter and Bobby Farrelly, appearing in their films Kingpin (1996), There’s Something About Mary (1998), Me, Myself & Irene (2000), Shallow Hal (2001), and Fever Pitch (2005).

Other roles include The Ringer (2005) as David Patrick and Boat Trip (2002). He appeared in TV series like Friends (1999) and voiced characters in The Breed (2001). Gesner also worked as a spokesperson for Chicken of the Sea’s “What Women Want” campaign (2005) and appeared in Miller Lite’s “Man Laws” commercials.

Social Media

Zen Gesner does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Zen Gesner, 56, stands at 182 cm and has been married to Cynthia Farrelly Gesner, an entertainment lawyer and actress, since July 29, 1995.

They have three sons: Finn Harry (born 1997 in Cape Town, South Africa), Rory Farrelly, and Tuck John (born 2003 in Santa Monica, California). Gesner’s family ties to the Farrelly Brothers (Cynthia’s brothers, Peter and Bobby) have influenced his career.

He is passionate about environmental conservation, reflecting his “eco-warrior” persona, and enjoys adventurous activities like rock climbing. Gesner maintains a low public profile, with no active social media presence.

Net Worth

Zen Gesner’s estimated net worth ranges from $1 million to $2 million, derived from his acting roles, producing work, and commercial endorsements. Some sources suggest higher figures, but these lack substantiation given his career scope.

Filmography

Selected Filmography:

  • Dumb and Dumber (1994) – Dale’s Man #1
  • Kingpin (1996) – Thomas
  • There’s Something About Mary (1998) – Bartender
  • Me, Myself & Irene (2000) – Agent Peterson
  • Shallow Hal (2001) – Ralph
  • Osmosis Jones (2001) – Emergency Room Doctor #1
  • Boat Trip (2002) – Ron
  • The Ringer (2005) – David Patrick
  • Fever Pitch (2005) – Passenger Cop
  • Hall Pass (2011) – Passenger Cop

Selected Television:

  • The Adventures of Sinbad (1996–1998) – Sinbad
  • All My Children (1997–1998) – Braden Lavery
  • Friends (1999) – Guest role
  • Hollywood Heads (unscripted series) – Producer, collaborator with Cynthia Farrelly Gesner
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