Chris Gifford Biography

Fast Facts

• The children's series he created, "Dora the Explorer," won a Peabody award
• Studied at the Browning School in New York
• Graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in theatre
• First joined Nickelodeon in 1989 as a unit manager
• His first job following his stint as an actor was as a receptionist at a Children's Television Workshop
• Quote: "The power that Dora has is that kids think Dora is their friend and not a teacher․ Someone they want to help and not someone who's a teacher․"
• Quote: "(On the character "Dora" as a role model for young girls) "She's an adventurer and her focus is not on her appearance so much․ It's more about going out, having fun, helping people and achieving whatever it is she needs to achieve in that episode․""
• Has worked behind-the-scenes of several notable Nick, Jr․, children's series, including "Gullah Gullah Island," "The Busy World of Richard Scarry" and "Allegra's Window․"
• Is well-known as the creator of Nickelodeon's popular children's animations "Dora the Explorer" and "Go Diego Go․"
• Portrayed the character "Danny" on the 1980s children's series "The Great Space Coaster․"