Brian Frishman, a towering figure at 6-feet-6-inches, initially pursued a basketball career in high school, where his exceptional skills on the court propelled him to excel. By college, he had set his sights on the NBA, earning a reputation as one of the top players in the United States. However, a series of injuries forced him to reevaluate his career, ultimately leading him to abandon his aspirations and instead focus on the world of acting.
His experience on the basketball court had instilled in him a passion for performance, and he enrolled in acting classes, quickly booking roles in television and film. One of his earliest notable parts was a guest spot on the popular TV series The White Shadow, where he portrayed a high school basketball star who coasted through school on his athletic abilities. This role resonated deeply with Frishman, who had once shared similar experiences.
Frishman made his feature film debut in Steven Spielberg's 1941, followed by a memorable turn as the lovable dimwit Barf in Disney's cult classic Midnight Madness. He then starred alongside Tommy Lee Jones in the drama Back Roads, before appearing in another Disney film, Amy, as a sensitive deaf mute who learns sign language from Jenny Agutter.
As his acting career stagnated, Frishman faced a series of bit parts and was often typecast due to his physical stature. He played a range of roles, including a sexy meathead in Savage Streets, a frat bro in School Spirit, a basketball player in Misfits of Science, a murder suspect on Matlock, and a brute named Bobo on The Fall Guy.
Recognizing that his acting career was not taking off, and that he had learned little during his college years, Frishman re-enrolled at Sonoma State University at the age of 32. He studied English and creative writing, earning a bachelor's degree before pursuing a master's in Fine Arts at UCLA.
Frishman went on to teach drama and directing in Los Angeles and Reno, before becoming the beloved middle and high school theatre director at Sacramento Country Day School for 15 years. He was renowned for bringing out the best in his students, and his plays continued to be performed long after his retirement in 2020. Frishman has since focused on a wellness practice, bringing his unique blend of athletic and artistic experience to his work.
