In the early '90s Debbie Allen spotted Dourdan while he was vacationing in Paris and subsequently gave him his first big break—a recurring role on the
Cosby Show spin-off
A Different World. He quickly landed a succession of small parts in movies (
Playing God,
Alien: Resurrection) and big parts in short-lived TV shows before
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation turned him into a star and sex symbol. His character on the show, forensic detective Warrick Brown, struggled with relationship woes and a gambling addiction, and was eventually murdered by a cop with ties to the mob. In addition to his acting pursuits, Dourdan is an accomplished singer and musician, excelling in flute and guitar. He has recorded music under the pseudonym Kolade.
Gary Dourdan Fast Facts:
- Studied acting and music from an early age.
- In 1973, his older brother Daryl was murdered while vacationing in Haiti. The case is still unsolved.
- Named one of TV's Sexiest Men in TV GUIDE in 2005.
- Sang the theme song to The Jeffersons "Movin' On Up" with Macy Gray at the 2005 Emmys.
- Won NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2003 and 2006 for his role as Warrick Brown on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
- Gary Dourdan Relationships:
- Darryl Durdin - Brother
- Nyla Dourdan - Daughter
- Robert Durdin - Father
- Roshumba Williams - Ex-wife
- Sandy Durdin - Mother
- Maria Asis del Alamo - Significant Other
- Jennifer Sutton - Ex-significant Other
- Lyric Dourdan - Son
- Lisa Snowdon - Ex-significant Other
- Cynthia Hadden - Ex-significant Other
- Gary Dourdan Awards:
- 2001 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series - Nominee
- 2002 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series - Nominee
- 2003 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series - Nominee
- 2004 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series - Winner