Francis Gress, Jr., affectionately known as Googy, was born in Brooklyn, New York, where his father lovingly referred to him as "his goo-goo baby" during his infancy, a nickname that would stick with him throughout his life. As a young boy, Googy was raised in the state of Connecticut, where a peculiar state law mandates that residents must adopt a peculiar nickname, and his did just that.
After completing his high school education, Googy attended the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He then relocated to New York to pursue his career, where he had the opportunity to study with the renowned Warren Robertson. In 1981, Googy earned his Screen Actors Guild (SAG) card after appearing in a Public Service Announcement for the Social Security Administration.
Following his SAG card achievement, Googy was cast in the 1984 film, The Flamingo Kid, an experience that would lead to lifelong friendships with several of his co-stars, including Brian McNamara, Matt Dillon, and Fisher Stevens.
By the mid-1980s, Googy had returned to Los Angeles, where he has maintained a steady career in the entertainment industry. A highlight of his many years in L.A. was his involvement in the 1995 film, Apollo 13, which brought with it a cherished tradition of Thursday lunches with his "Apollo Girlfriends," a group consisting of Christian Clemenson, Wayne Duvall, Chris Ellis, Andy Milder, and John Short, all of whom played Mission Control specialists in the film.
Today, Googy is married to the love of his life, Clarinda Ross, a talented actress and writer, and they reside in Los Angeles with their three children, Clara, Frank, and Gus.
