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Ian Andrew Ziering (/ˈaɪən ˈzɪərɪŋ/; born March 30, 1964) is an American actor best known for his role as Steve Sanders on the television series Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000). He is also the voice of Harry Osborn in Spider-Man: The New Animated Series and Vinnie on Biker Mice from Mars. From 2013 to 2018, he saw a career resurgence after starring as Fin Shepard in the Sharknado film series. In 2019, he played the DC Comics character Blue Devil on the series Swamp Thing.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Ziering was born in Newark, New Jersey, the youngest of three boys for Muriel (1925–1998) and Paul M. Ziering (1921–2008), an educator, orchestra leader, and saxophonist.[1][2][3] He grew up in West Orange, New Jersey and has two older brothers, Jeff and Barry. Ziering is Jewish.[4][5] He graduated from West Orange High School in 1982, and from William Paterson University in 1988.[6]

Career

[edit]

In 1990, Ziering began his portrayal of the character Steve Sanders on the hit series Beverly Hills, 90210. Sanders was a high school student and friend of Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestley), one of the series' other central characters. He is one of only four series regulars to appear on the show for its entire duration of ten seasons until 2000.

In 1998, Ziering was cast as the voice of Dr. Niko "Nick" Tatopoulos in Godzilla: The Series, which was a direct follow-up to the 1998 film. Ziering replaced Matthew Broderick, who portrayed the character in the film.[7]

In May 2002, Ziering joined the cast of Spider-Man: The New Animated Series,[8] this time a direct follow-up to the 2002 film directed by Sam Raimi. Ziering was the voice of Harry Osborn, replacing James Franco. The series premiered on MTV in 2003, but despite positive reviews, was cancelled due to low ratings.

In 2006, Ziering produced, directed and starred in the short film Man vs. Monday, which won the Audience Choice Award at the 2006 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.[citation needed] Also in 2006, he won the Best Actor Award at the 2006 Monaco Film Festival for his portrayal of Francis in the independent film Stripped Down.[citation needed]

Ziering has also appeared in the television series JAG, What I Like About You (reuniting with 90210 costar Jennie Garth, The Doctors, as Erich Aldrich and Guiding Light as Cameron Stewart. He also had a role in the videogame Freelancer as the protagonist, Edison Trent.

Ziering at NBCUniversal's Summer TCA Tour on July 14, 2014

He was a celebrity dancer in 2007 on Season 4 of Dancing with the Stars.[9] His professional dance partner was Cheryl Burke, who won the competition in Season 2 with partner Drew Lachey and Season 3 with partner Emmitt Smith. Ziering made it to the semi-finals, and received a perfect score (three 10s) from the judges for one of his two dances in the round. However, it was not enough to reach the finals: he and Burke were eliminated during the results show the next day on May 15, 2007. In 2016 Burke said the experience of working with Ziering made her want to "slit her wrists".[10] She later apologized, not to Ziering, but for making a thoughtless reference to suicide. Ziering did not comment publicly on Burke's comments beyond re-tweeting a message from a former co-worker that praised him as a great person to be around.

On June 18, 2007, Variety reported that Ziering had auditioned the previous week for the opportunity to succeed Bob Barker as host of The Price Is Right.[11] The job ultimately went to Drew Carey.[12] Ziering's ex-wife, Nikki, was a model on the show from 1999 to 2002.

In May, 2013, it was announced that Ziering would be performing with Chippendales as a celebrity guest star for four weeks at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.[13]

In 2015, he appeared on Celebrity Apprentice on NBC. In 2018, he competed on Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition.[14]

In 2019, Ziering was cast as Blue Devil in the DC Universe series Swamp Thing. The show ran for only one season, though it was positively received by critics and audiences.[15]

Personal life

[edit]

Ziering married Playboy model Nikki Schieler in July 1997. She converted to Judaism before marrying him.[16] They filed for divorce in February 2002, citing irreconcilable differences.[17] Nikki has said that the separation was contentious and she was not given any support or help moving out; a spokesperson for Ziering stated Nikki was "compensated above and beyond the prenup".[18]

On February 3, 2010, Ziering announced his engagement to Erin Ludwig.[19] The couple married at a ceremony in Newport Beach, California, on May 28, 2010. They have two daughters, Mia Loren (b. April 25, 2011)[20] and Penna Mae (b. April 25, 2013).[21] On October 31, 2019, Ziering announced that the couple had separated. The divorce was finalized October 4, 2022.[22][23][24]

Ziering was involved in an altercation with a group of mini-bike riders in Los Angeles December 31, 2023. Ziering reported on social media that both he and his daughter, Penna, who was in the car when the group attacked her father, were uninjured.[25]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1981 Endless Love Sammy Butterfield
1995 Savate Cain Parker Direct to video
No Way Back Victor Serlano
1996 Mighty Ducks the Movie: The First Face-Off Wildwing Flashblade Voice, direct to video
2005 Domino Himself
Six Months Later Michael Short
2006 Stripped Down Francis
Man vs. Monday Dan Smith Short; also director
2007 Tyrannosaurs Azteca Cortes
2009 Step Seven Richard Miller/Brother Abraham Short
2011 The Legend of Awesomest Maximus Testiclees
2012 That's My Boy TV version Donny
McKenna Shoots for the Stars Mr. Brooks
2013 Snake and Mongoose Keith Black
2014 Christmas in Palm Springs Teddy
2016 Killer Deal Nick Steel Short; also producer
2017 F the Prom Ken Reede [26]
2021 Hunters

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1981–1982 The Doctors Erich Aldrich 2 episodes
1987 Guiding Light Cameron Stewart Contract role
1988 ABC Afterschool Specials Randy Forrester Episode: "Terrible Things My Mother Told Me"
1990 CBS Schoolbreak Special Donnie Episode: "Flour Babies"
Married... with Children The Kid Episode: "The Unnatural"
1990–2000 Beverly Hills, 90210 Steve Sanders, Ronnie Robertson Main role
Producer
Director: "I'm Using You 'Cause I Like You"
Writer: "Sentenced to Life" (story by)
1992 Melrose Place Steve Sanders 3 episodes
Parker Lewis Can't Lose Himself Episode: "Geek Tragedy"
1993–1996 Biker Mice from Mars Vinnie Voice, main role[27]
1994 Aaahh!!! Real Monsters Gludge Voice, episode: "Smile and Say Oblina"[27]
Beverly Hills, 90210: A Christmas Special Himself Television film
1995 The Women of Spring Break George Peck
1996 Subliminal Seduction Darrin Danver
1996–1997 Mighty Ducks Wildwing Flashblade Voice, main role
1998 V.I.P. Peter, Tasha's ex-husband Episode: "Bloody Val-entine"
All-Star Party for Aaron Spelling Himself Television special
78th Annual Miss America Pageant Himself (Judge)
1998–1999 Hollywood Squares Himself (Panelist) Recurring role
1998–2001 Godzilla: The Series Dr. Niko Tatopoulos Voice
1999 Love Boat: The Next Wave Joshua Krumb Episode: "Don't Judge a Book by Its Lover"
Batman Beyond Mason Forrest Voice, episode: "The Winning Edge"[27]
2000 Twice in a Lifetime Dr. Steven Weaver/Lance Kensington Episode: "Even Steven"
2001 Inside Schwartz Parker Episode: "Event Night"; uncredited
JAG Captain William Shepard Episode: "Ambush"
The Test Himself (Panelist) Episode: "The PDA Test"
2002 Son of the Beach Harry Johnson 3 episodes
What I Like About You Paul Cody Episode: "Copy That"
2003 Spider-Man: The New Animated Series Harry Osborn Voice
2006–2007 Biker Mice from Mars Vinnie[27]
2007 Side Order of Life Brian Fowler 3 episodes
Drawn Together Chase Huffington Voice, episode: "Drawn Together Babies"
Dancing with the Stars Himself (Contestant) Season 4
2008 Your Mama Don't Dance Himself (Host)
Lava Storm John Wilson Television film
2009 The Christmas Hope Nathan Andrews
2010 CSI: NY Thom Weir Episode: "Pot of Gold"
Elopement David Drummond Television film
2011 Happily Divorced Robert, Support Group Leader Episode: "Spousal Support"
2013 Sharknado Fin Shepard Television film
Deadtime Stories Mr. Tyler Episode: "Terror in Tiny Town"
Hell's Kitchen Himself (Restaurant Patron) Episode: "9 Chefs Compete"
Shark After Dark Himself (Guest) Episode: "Sharkmania!"
Oprah: Where Are They Now? Episode: "90210 Star Ian Ziering"
2014 Sharknado 2: The Second One Fin Shepard Television film
Sproutnado: Synchronized Swimming Himself – Swimmer
Sproutnado: So Many Numbers in the Ocean
Sproutnado: Shark Costume Delivery Himself – Movie Star
Sproutnado: Ocean Weather Report Weather Reporter
94th Annual Miss America Pageant Himself (Judge) Television special
On Your Marc! Himself (Guest) Episode: "Ian Ziering"
The Wil Wheaton Project Episode: "Wil Master: Axis of Wheaton"
America's Healthiest Heroes Himself (Host)
2014–2016 Celebrity Name Game Himself (Celebrity Player) Recurring role
2015 Defiance Conrad Von Bach Episode: "The Beauty of Our Weapons"
Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! Fin Shepard Television film
Lavalantula
Celebrity Apprentice Himself (Contestant) 8 episodes
2016 The Muppets Himself Episode: "A Tail of Two Piggies"
Hashtaggers Episode: "#Colin'sRival with Ian Ziering"
Sharknado: The 4th Awakens Fin Shepard Television film; also co-executive producer
2017 Sharknado 5: Global Swarming
Battle of the Network Stars Himself (Contestant) Episode: "Primetime Soaps vs. ABC Stars"
2018 The Thundermans Young Thunder Man Episode: "The Thundredth"
Aussie Girl Himself Episode: "Crafty Service"
Worst Cooks in America Himself (Contestant) 6 episodes
Celebrity Family Feud Episode: "Sherri Shepherd vs. Ian Ziering"
The Last Sharknado: It's About Time Fin Shepard Television film; also executive producer
2019 Swamp Thing Dan Cassidy / Blue Devil Recurring role
Malibu Rescue Gavin Cross
Malibu Rescue Recurring role
BH90210 Himself/Steve Sanders Co-producer
Zombie Tidal Wave Hunter Shaw Television film; also writer and producer
2020 The Order Himself Episode: "Spring Outbreak"
2021 The Other Two Episode: "Chase Guest-Edits Vogue"
2023 Clone High Voice
2026 Danse avec les stars Himself (Contestant) Season 15

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Freelancer Edison Trent Microsoft Game Studios
2006 Biker Mice from Mars Vinnie PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS

Dancing with the Stars season 4

[edit]
Week # Dance / Song Judges' Score Result
Inaba Goodman Tonioli
1 Cha-Cha-Cha / "Mony Mony" 7 7 7 No Elimination
2 Quickstep / "Don't Get Me Wrong" 7 8 7 Safe
3 Jive / "Hard Headed Woman" 8 8 8 Safe
4 Waltz / "He Was Beautiful" 7 9 8 Safe
5 Samba / "Dance Like This" 8 8 8 Safe
6 Pasodoble / "Waiting for Tonight" 8 8 8 Safe
Swing / "Rock This Town" No scores given
7 Tango / "Holding Out for a Hero" 9 9 9 Safe
Mambo / "Gimme the Light" 9 9 9
8 Foxtrot / "Baby, It's Cold Outside" 8 7 7 Safe
Rumba / "Imagine" 8 8 9
9
Semi-finals 		Tango / "Maneater" 9 10 9 Eliminated
Jive / "All Shook Up" 10 10 10

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ian Ziering

View on Grokipedia
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Ian Andrew Ziering (born March 30, 1964) is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Steve Sanders, the wealthy and charming high schooler, on the long-running teen drama series from 1990 to 2000. Born in , and raised in nearby West Orange, Ziering entered the entertainment industry as a child, beginning with national commercials and roles in soap operas at age 12. He graduated from in , in 1988 with a degree in theater arts before landing guest roles on television shows such as . Ziering's breakthrough came with Beverly Hills, 90210, where he appeared in all 10 seasons, earning recognition including a 1992 Young Artist Award for Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Television Series alongside his co-stars. Following the show's end, he competed as a celebrity contestant on season 4 of Dancing with the Stars in 2007, finishing in sixth place. He later revitalized his career with the lead role of Fin Shepard in the Syfy Channel's cult horror-comedy film Sharknado (2013) and its subsequent sequels, including Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014), Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015), Sharknado: The 4th Awakens (2016), and Sharknado 5: Global Swarming (2017), which collectively drew a dedicated fanbase for their over-the-top shark-themed action. In 2025, he was announced to reprise his role in the upcoming Sharknado Origins film, set for 2026 release. Other notable roles include the DC Comics character Blue Devil in the 2019 series Swamp Thing and a reprisal of Steve Sanders in the meta-revival miniseries BH90210 that same year. More recently, Ziering has appeared in voice roles for the animated revival Clone High (2023) and continues to pursue new projects in television and streaming as of 2025. In his , Ziering has been married twice: first to actress and model Nikki Schieler from 1997 to 2002, and second to lifestyle blogger Erin Kristine Ludwig from 2010 to 2019, with whom he shares of their two daughters, Mia Loren (born 2011) and Penna Mae (born 2013). As of 2025, he is with influencer Caila Dean. Ziering has also been active in , including walking the runway at the Blue Jacket Fashion Show in in October 2025 to support cancer awareness initiatives. In July 2025, he publicly honored his late co-star on the first anniversary of her death from .

Early life

Family and childhood

Ian Ziering was born on March 30, 1964, in , to parents Paul M. Ziering, an educator and orchestra leader, and Muriel Ziering (née Ketaineck). His mother passed away on January 6, 1998, at age 72, and his father died on July 9, 2008, at age 87. Ziering was raised in a Jewish with ancestral roots tracing to through his paternal grandparents and through his maternal grandparents, both sets of whom were Jewish immigrants. As the youngest of three brothers—alongside older siblings Barry and Jeff—he grew up in , a middle-class suburb about 10 miles from . From a young age, Ziering displayed a strong interest in performing arts and acting, which became evident during his childhood in West Orange. He later transitioned to the local public school system there.

Education

Ziering attended West Orange High School in West Orange, New Jersey, where he graduated in 1982. During his high school years, he developed a strong interest in drama and theater, participating in school productions that provided his initial exposure to acting. Following high school, Ziering enrolled at (then known as William Paterson College) in . He earned a degree in dramatic arts in 1988. Throughout his college studies, Ziering balanced academics with early professional pursuits in the entertainment industry, including modeling assignments and auditions for television roles, such as his recurring appearance as Cameron Stewart on the Guiding Light from 1986 to 1988.

Career

Early roles

Ziering began his professional acting career as a child, appearing in national television and radio commercials as well as print advertisements starting at the age of 12 in the mid-1970s. These early gigs provided his initial entry into the industry and honed his performance skills before transitioning to more substantial roles. In 1979, at age 15, Ziering made his stage debut on Broadway in the musical revival of I Remember Mama at the Majestic Theatre in New York City, portraying Nils and the bellboy. He followed this with a national touring production of Peter Pan, playing the role of John, which further immersed him in the New York theater scene. His feature film debut came in 1981 with a minor role as Sammy Butterfield, the younger brother of Brooke Shields's character, in the romantic drama Endless Love. That same year, he landed his first soap opera role as Erich Aldrich on NBC's The Doctors, appearing from 1981 to 1982. Ziering's background in theater arts, earned through a B.A. in dramatic arts from William Paterson College in 1988, supported his early auditions and helped him secure more prominent television work. Following graduation, he continued building his career in through modeling assignments and additional commercials, which served as a bridge to scripted roles amid the competitive environment of the city's acting community. His breakthrough in arrived in 1986 when he joined CBS's as , a role he played until 1988 and that marked his most significant early exposure on screen. This period highlighted the challenges of establishing oneself as a young actor in New York's bustling theater and television hubs, where persistence in auditions and diverse gigs were essential for advancement.

Beverly Hills, 90210

Ian Ziering was cast as Steve Sanders in the pilot episode of , which premiered on in October 1990, after stealing multiple scripts from a production office to prepare extensively for his audition. Initially introduced as a recurring side character—the adopted son of a wealthy Hollywood couple—Sanders quickly became a series regular, with Ziering appearing in 292 of the show's 293 episodes through its conclusion in 2000. His prior modeling experience briefly aided in securing the opportunity, as it honed his on-camera presence during the competitive casting process. Ziering's portrayal of Steve Sanders evolved significantly over the decade, transforming the character from a spoiled, impulsive rich kid prone to mischief and poor decisions into a more responsible and mature figure navigating adulthood. Early arcs highlighted Sanders' carefree antics, such as clashing with peers over social status and engaging in reckless behavior that Ziering himself believed could lead the character "in jail" without growth. Key storylines included tumultuous romances, notably a brief but intense relationship with () marked by jealousy and betrayal, a more stable partnership with Janet Sosna (Lindsay Price) that explored commitment and fatherhood, and an earlier fling with Carly Reynolds () involving custody battles. Professionally, Sanders matured through business ventures, co-founding the nightclub Peach Pit After Dark with () and later managing a firm, reflecting themes of and redemption amid the group's post-college transitions. The role cemented Ziering's place in Beverly Hills, 90210's cultural legacy as a groundbreaking teen drama that addressed social issues like teen pregnancy, , and class divides, becoming a phenomenon that launched the modern YA genre and influenced subsequent shows. Ziering's contribution as the show's —providing levity through Sanders' humorous escapades—balanced the heavier narratives, endearing the character to audiences and helping sustain the series' popularity across 10 seasons. In reflecting on the show's impact 30 years later, Ziering emphasized its role in fostering real friendships among the cast and resonating with viewers through authentic portrayals of youth struggles. Behind the scenes, Ziering's tenure was marked by collaborative dynamics with co-stars, including improvised banter with that added spontaneity to their on-screen friendship, as confirmed by director Michael Lange. He maintained close ties with , describing her as a supportive colleague despite reported set tensions, and credited the ensemble—including Priestley and Garth—for creating a familial atmosphere that mirrored the show's themes of . One intense moment involved Ziering "tearing the dressing rooms apart" in frustration over a storyline where Sanders faced false accusations of , highlighting the emotional investment in the character's moral dilemmas.

Sharknado series

Ian Ziering was cast as the lead character Fin Shepard in the 2013 Syfy original movie , a low-budget horror-comedy about a hurricane unleashing sharks on . The film's unexpected viral success on social media led to Ziering reprising the role in five sequels: Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014), Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015), Sharknado: The 4th Awakens (2016), Sharknado 5: Global Swarming (2017), and The Last Sharknado: It's About Time (2018). Across the six-film franchise, Ziering's portrayal of the resourceful Fin Shepard involved high-octane action sequences, including wielding a to battle airborne sharks. The series became renowned for its over-the-top elements and star-studded cameos, with Ziering's co-star returning as Fin's wife April Wexler in multiple entries. Notable guest appearances included as the in Sharknado 3, alongside other celebrities like and , which amplified the films' satirical appeal. These features transformed the initial B-movie concept into a campy spectacle that thrived on absurdity and fan interaction. The franchise marked a significant revival for Ziering's career, elevating him from post- obscurity to a pop culture icon in the . What began as a risky project—Ziering initially worried it could derail his prospects—evolved into a global phenomenon, spawning memes, merchandise, and a dedicated fanbase that reignited his visibility. The series' success created a "new genre" of event television, with Ziering crediting it for broadening his opportunities and inspiring personal growth through its emphasis on fun and resilience. In 2023, to mark the franchise's 10th anniversary, Ziering participated in events at , including a photo call and in Room 6BCF featuring cast members like and director . During the panel, Ziering shared reflections on the series' enduring legacy, highlighting fan memorabilia such as Fin Shepard-themed lunchboxes and signed posters from the event. Interviews at the convention underscored the franchise's "" style and its unexpected cultural staying power.

Other television and film roles

Following his tenure on Beverly Hills, 90210, Ziering expanded into , notably providing the voice for Vinnie, the hot-headed leader of the anthropomorphic mice in the animated series . He originated the role in the original run from 1993 to 1996 and reprised it for the 2006 revival series, contributing to 28 episodes across both iterations where the characters battle alien invaders on Earth. In 2003, Ziering voiced in the animated series , portraying the son of in a 13-episode arc that explored the web-slinger's college years and personal conflicts. He also made guest appearances on live-action television, including a role as a suspect in the 2004 episode "Ode to Barney" of , where he interacted with the forensic team investigating a murder at a . Ziering's film work in the 2000s and 2010s included supporting parts in action and comedy projects. In 2005, he appeared as himself alongside Keira Knightley in Tony Scott's ensemble thriller Domino. Later, in Adam Sandler's 2012 comedy That's My Boy, Ziering portrayed the titular character's rival in a raunchy tale of father-son reconciliation. Additional credits encompassed the historical racing drama Snake & Mongoose (2013), where he played a crew member, and the holiday rom-com Christmas in Palm Springs (2014) as a love interest. A notable superhero turn came in 2019 when Ziering portrayed Daniel Cassidy, who transforms into the demonic Blue Devil, in the series . His multi-episode arc delved into Cassidy's cursed origins as a stuntman bound to a supernatural trident, intersecting with the titular character's environmental horrors in the . That same year, he reprised a meta version of his character Steve Sanders in the Fox miniseries . In 2023, Ziering made a guest voice appearance as himself in the animated revival series .

Reality television

In 2007, Ian Ziering partnered with professional dancer on the fourth season of , where they competed for 10 weeks and advanced to the semi-finals before being eliminated on May 15. Their performances showed steady improvement, with early scores in the low 20s for routines like the cha-cha-cha and evolving to a combined 58 in the semi-finals, including a perfect 30 for their jive to "" by . Fan reception was largely positive, bolstered by Ziering's fanbase, which helped propel them to fourth place overall despite behind-the-scenes tensions later disclosed by Burke. Ziering appeared on the seventh season of Celebrity Apprentice in 2015, joining as a contestant on the women's team Infinity before a team shuffle; he was fired in week 8 during a mass elimination that also removed Brandi Glanville and Johnny Damon. The episode, centered on a live pet product demonstration, highlighted interpersonal conflicts, but Ziering raised $325,000 for his charity, the National Health Foundation. In 2018, Ziering competed as a recruit on : Celebrity Edition, mentored by chef in a boot camp-style challenge to improve basic culinary skills. He reached the finale but finished as runner-up to winner , who took home $25,000 for her charity after impressing judges with a three-course meal. These reality television ventures, following a period of seeking greater visibility after Beverly Hills, 90210, portrayed Ziering as a resilient and adaptable performer, broadening his public image beyond scripted roles into competitive and skill-based formats.

Personal life

Marriages and divorces

Ian Ziering married model and actress Nikki Schieler on July 4, 1997, after dating for about a year. The couple, who had no children together, ended their marriage when Ziering filed for divorce on February 28, 2002, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized later that year. Ziering wed nurse Erin Kristine Ludwig on , 2010, in a ceremony at the Pelican Hill Resort in . The pair separated after nearly a decade of marriage, with Ziering announcing the split on October 31, 2019, stating that their "hectic work schedules" had led them to "grow apart" over the previous few years. Ludwig filed for divorce shortly after on November 5, 2019. The proceedings, which included negotiations over of their two daughters, were finalized on October 3, 2022, through an uncontested settlement that granted equal parenting time and required Ziering to pay . In reflecting on the end of his second marriage, Ziering emphasized a commitment to positive co-parenting, describing Ludwig as "one of the most incredible women I have ever met and the best mom to our kids" while expressing hope to "protect and raise our daughters, and be examples of successful co-parents." He has spoken about the challenges of the separation on family life, noting the importance of prioritizing their children's well-being amid the process. As of 2025, Ziering is in a relationship with influencer Caila Dean.

Family

Ian Ziering is the father of two daughters from his second marriage: Mia Loren Ziering, born on April 25, 2011, and Penna Mae Ziering, born on April 25, 2013. Following the finalization of his divorce in October 2022, Ziering and his ex-wife Erin Ludwig agreed to joint legal and physical custody of their daughters, with Ziering providing child support to ensure their well-being. The arrangement prioritizes equal parenting time and has allowed Ziering to remain actively involved in his daughters' lives, while both parents have emphasized maintaining their privacy during this transition to shield the children from public scrutiny. Ziering frequently highlights his commitment to fatherhood through shared family moments, such as pamper evenings and educational outings designed to foster bonding and growth. In interviews, he has described the challenges and joys of raising daughters in a modern world, stressing the importance of providing stability and context amid external influences, which has helped maintain family cohesion during marital changes.

Public incidents

On December 31, 2023, Ian Ziering was involved in a physical altercation with a group of individuals riding mini-bikes on in , while he was in his vehicle with his daughter. Video footage captured Ziering exiting his car after it was approached aggressively by the riders, leading to a confrontation where he was surrounded and struck by several participants before fleeing across the street. No arrests were made at the scene, and Ziering reported no injuries. In a statement posted to on January 1, 2024, Ziering described the incident as an "alarming" example of "brazen hooliganism," emphasizing that no one should feel unsafe in their city, particularly in the presence of children. He criticized the lack of immediate police intervention and broader issues of , calling for community leaders and to enforce stricter measures against such reckless behavior to protect public safety. Ziering reiterated his longstanding for standing against and misconduct, stating that the event reinforced the need for accountability to prevent similar threats to families and neighborhoods. On July 14, 2025, Ziering shared a public tribute on marking the one-year anniversary of his co-star Shannen Doherty's death from on July 13, 2024. In the post, he reflected on the profound impact of her loss, describing the news as hitting him "like a freight train" and praising her resilience, fighting spirit, and the deep friendship they shared during their time on the show. Ziering explained his decision to delay the public statement, noting that grief is a personal journey and he had chosen to process his emotions privately in the immediate aftermath rather than posting publicly at the time of her passing.

Philanthropy

Ziering has been active in philanthropy, including walking the runway at the second annual Fashion Show in on October 6, 2025, to raise awareness and support for and prevention initiatives.

Filmography

Film

Ziering began his film career with a supporting role in the romantic drama Endless Love (1981), playing Sammy Butterfield. He followed with the action film (1995), portraying the lead character Cain Parker. In 1995, he appeared in the TV movie as George Peck in a supporting capacity. His early 1990s work included No Way Back (1995), where he played the supporting role of Victor Serlano, and the thriller Flash Frame (1996) as Darrin Danver. Ziering voiced Wildwing in the animated feature the Movie: The First (1997). He made a as himself in Tony Scott's Domino (2005). Later credits encompass the comedy Baby on Board (2009), the disaster TV movie Lava Storm (2008) as John Wilson (lead), and The Christmas Hope (2009) as Nathan Andrews (supporting). In 2010, he starred as David in the drama Elopement. Ziering took a supporting role as Testiclees in the comedy National Lampoon's The Legend of Awesomest Maximus (2011). In 2012, he appeared in a cameo as a TV actor in Adam Sandler's That's My Boy and as Mr. Brooks in the family film An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars (supporting). The following year, Ziering led as Don 'The Snake' Prudhomme in the biographical sports drama Snake & Mongoose (2013) and originated the lead role of Fin Shepard in the Syfy TV movie Sharknado (2013). Ziering reprised his lead role as Fin Shepard in the Sharknado franchise sequels: Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014), Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015), Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens (2016), Sharknado 5: Global Swarming (2017), and The Last Sharknado: It's About Time (2018). He also starred as Roger (lead) in the holiday TV movie Christmas in Palm Springs (2014) and as General Taylor (supporting) in the sci-fi film Hunters (2021). Ziering's most recent film credit is the lead role of Hunter Shaw in the sci-fi action TV movie Zombie Tidal Wave (2019).

Television

Ian Ziering began his television career with soap opera roles in the 1980s before achieving widespread recognition as a series regular on a long-running teen drama. His subsequent appearances include a mix of guest spots on established series, voice work in animated shows, and lead roles in made-for-TV movies and limited series, often in genres like action, horror, and holiday dramas. Below is a chronological list of his scripted television roles.
Year(s)TitleRoleEpisodesNotes
1981–1982The DoctorsErich Aldrich2Recurring guest role on the soap opera. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062584/characters/nm0005575)
1986–1988Guiding LightCameron StewartUnknown (contract role)Recurring role on the CBS soap opera. [] (https://cbs.fandom.com/wiki/Guiding_Light)
1990–2000Beverly Hills, 90210Steve Sanders292Series regular as the affluent, impulsive friend of the Walsh family on the Fox teen drama. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098749/characters/nm0005575)
1995JAGLt. Simon La Jolla1Guest appearance in the episode "Boot." [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112015/episodes/?season=1)
1999Batman BeyondMason Forrest1Voice role in the animated episode "Spellbound." [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185906/characters/nm0005575)
2001Inside SchwartzParker1Guest role in the pilot episode of the short-lived CBS sitcom. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255783/characters/nm0005575)
2002What I Like About YouDean1Guest appearance on The WB sitcom. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0292781/episodes/?season=1)
2003Two and a Half MenBrooks1Guest role in the episode "Ate the Hamburgers, Wearing the Hats." [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0369179/characters/nm0005575)
2010–2011Happily DivorcedAndy2Recurring guest on the TV Land sitcom. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1699448/characters/nm0005575)
2012The Secret CircleCharles Meade1Guest role in the episode "Curse." [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1841691/characters/nm0005575)
2013SharknadoFin Shepard1Lead role in the Syfy TV movie. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2724064/characters/nm0005575)
2014Sharknado 2: The Second OneFin Shepard1Lead role in the Syfy TV movie sequel. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2977166/characters/nm0005575)
2015Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!Fin Shepard1Lead role in the Syfy TV movie. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4260808/characters/nm0005575)
2016Sharknado: The 4th AwakensFin Shepard1Lead role in the Syfy TV movie. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4831420/characters/nm0005575)
2017Sharknado 5: Global SwarmingFin Shepard1Lead role in the Syfy TV movie. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6266538/characters/nm0005575)
2018The Last Sharknado: It's About TimeFin Shepard1Lead role in the Syfy TV movie series finale. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8291226/characters/nm0005575)
2019Swamp ThingDaniel Cassidy / Blue Devil4Recurring role as a stuntman transformed into the DC Comics antihero on the DC Universe series. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8365240/characters/nm0005575)
2019BH90210Ian Ziering / Steve Sanders6Lead role in the Fox meta-revival series portraying a fictionalized version of himself. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9252970/characters/nm0005575)
2023Clone HighIan Ziering (voice)1+Guest voice role as himself in the animated revival series. [] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32658793/characters/nm0005575)
Ziering's television work post-90210 often featured him in genre-bending TV movies and short-lived series, with the franchise marking a cult phenomenon in B-movie horror.

Video games

Ziering has provided for select video games, extending his experience in . In 2003, he voiced the protagonist Edison Trent in , a space trading and simulation game developed by and published by Game Studios for Windows. In 2006, Ziering reprised his role as the anthropomorphic mouse Vinnie in , an developed by Creat Studio and published by The Game Factory for PlayStation 2.

References

  1. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/ian-ziering/bio/3030488512/
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  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005575/bio/
  4. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/7th-sharknado-film-works-2026-203820054.html
  5. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ian-ziering-joins-swamp-thing-as-dc-hero-blue-devil-1168729/
  6. https://mabumbe.com/people/ian-ziering-age-net-worth-relationships-career-highlights/
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  8. https://people.com/tv/ian-ziering-wife-erin-ludwig-files-for-divorce-days-after-split-announcement/
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