Paul Johansson Biography

Fast Facts

• Supports the Lili Claire Foundation, a non-profit organization hoping to enhance the lives of children living with Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism and other neurogenetic disorders
• Son of professional hockey player Earl "Ching" Johnson, a member of the 1954 Stanley Cup-winning Detroit Redwings team
• Moved to Los Angeles with "90210" co-star Jason Priestly to pursue writing after receiving his bachelor's degree in English literature, and soon received a spot on the soap opera "Santa Barbara․"
• While playing international basketball in 1986 and 1987, toured Korea, Israel and Greece
• Quote: "I take great satisfaction in writing and taking opportunities instead of waiting for life to offer me something․ My writing, acting and directing is my fun and I am very much obsessed by it and it brings me great happiness․"
• Quote: "People would say that being an actor is a very free art form, but it's very restrictive․ If you can direct, and specifically direct what you've written yourself, then you have control․ You really are the ultimate storyteller․"
• Named an All-Canadian Basketball Player in 1987 while a student at the University of British Columbia, he considered a career in professional basketball when he was offered a spot with the Atlanta Hawks
• In 1997, starred in a Diet Coke TV commercial