Biography

In addition to his extensive film and television work, Kip has been called by critics "one of the theater's most important actors". Starring roles in Premieres include "Dave Vaughn" in "Catskill Sonata" directed by Paul Mazursky, Harry Houdini in "Harry And Arthur" directed by William Shatner, Ben Hecht in "Moonlight And Magnolias", "Ralph Edwards" in "Gretty Goodtime", "Josh Green" in "2 Across", "Adam Penzius" in Michael Weller's "What The Night Is For", and "Paul Wolfowitz" in the Mark Taper Forum's production of "Stuff Happens" for which he received an Ovation Nomination. His one-man shows "Mister Moody.. 82 minutes with Christ" and "Men Women And Assassins" have also enjoyed much critical success along with their musical recordings. Months after graduating college, Kip settled in Chicago and his initial audition earned him his first professional break co-starring in "Irma La Douce". Starring roles followed in productions of "Funny Girl", "Light Up The Sky", "Little Mary Sunshine", "Send Me No Flowers" and "Pal Joey" as he worked non-stop for a year in the windy city. He then settled in New York where he was instantly cast in an improv review called "Weigh-In Weigh-Out". Soon, he was picked out of the show by several William Morris agents (one was Judy Abbott, the daughter of legendary director and writer George Abbott) and his busy career began in earnest. New York Theater projects followed for several years including the premier of Mark Medoff's "The Wager" directed by Anthony Perkins followed by "Barefoot In The Park", the Public Theater's production of "Lotta", and culminating with the hit "Company". The hit musical "Purlie" with Robert Guillaume brought him to Los Angeles where he soon became recognizable to the prime-time TV world. He has since starred as a regular on Loves Me, Loves Me Not (1977), Trapper John, M.D. (1979), Foot in the Door (1983), Dorothy (1979), "Closeup News", Studio 5-B (1989), Nurses (1991) and has recurred on Doctor Doctor (1989) and Relativity (1996). The son of a traveling salesman dad, Kip has lived in Boston, Rochester, Cleveland, Chicago, and, now, bi-coastalizes between New York City and the Santa Monica Mountains. Gilman's dramatic, comedic and musical performances in television, film and stage are a testament to his incredible versatility and what makes him one of the most fascinating and talented actors in the business.
- IMDb mini biography by: theatrefella