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Blessed with the ability to make others laugh, Shaun Weiss provided audiences and critics alike with a few of the most memorable comedic roles of the 90s. Before that, this former child actor starred in commercial campaigns and appeared in a number of the 80s most beloved sitcoms. Ultimately choosing to step away from the limelight, Weiss nonetheless left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry that will not soon be forgotten. Curious to know how he got started and what he’s been up to? Then let’s dig in!

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Early Life

The youngest of five children, Shaun Weiss was born on August 27^th, 1978 in Montvale New Jersey. Affectionately labeled the class clown by friends and teachers, Weiss’s love of performing was apparent to everyone from an early age. He began auditioning for commercials in the mid-80s and landed several national campaigns including ones for Verizon, ESPN, Captain Morgan’s and Castrol. Then, in 1986, he made his professional debut as Elvis on the first season of the popular musical comedy show, Pee Wee’s Playhouse. Appearing in six episodes, Weiss caught the attention of casting agents and booked a recurring role on the final season of the ABC sitcom Webster (1988).

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Soon after, he guest starred on the CBS sitcom Charles in Charge (1988) and the NBC sitcoms Empty Nest (1989) and The Cosby Show (1989). With a resume like that, Hollywood took notice and Weiss became a series regular on the short-lived NBC sitcom Here and Now (1992-1993). His work on the show earned him a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Young Actor in a New Television Series. At the same time, he was cast as Greg “Goldie” Goldberg, the wisecracking goalie on a team of hockey misfits in Disney’s sports comedy The Mighty Ducks (1992).

While the film was not met with critical acclaim, it resonated with audiences and was a surprise hit at the box office. Weiss went on to reprise his role in two sequels, D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994) and D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996). Although neither was as successful as the original, Weiss’ unforgettable turn as Goldie exponentially multiplied his fanbase and etched his name into cinema history.

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Weiss once again demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences by playing Josh Burnbalm in Disney’s family comedy Heavyweights (1995). Despite its mediocre performance at the box office, Weiss’s character is often credited as one of the driving forces behind the film’s cult following. The next year, he guest starred on ABC’s perennial favorite family comedy, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996) and Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1996), the sequel to the wildly popular Saved by the Bell series which ran from 1989-1992.

Finding his unique skills in demand, Weiss was cast in a number of recurring television roles such as the high school sitcom Mr. Rhodes (1996-1997), the family comedy The Tony Danza Show (1997-1998), the coming of age Boy Meets World (1998) and the sitcom City Guys (2001). Additionally, he guest starred on the crime dramas Las Vegas (2005) and Crossing Jordan (2007). But it was his portrayal of Sean in the dramedy Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000), yet another project of Weiss’s that has since gained a cult following, of which he is most proud.  

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Personal Life

Fame and fortune took an unfortunate toll on Weiss, as living in the fast lane proved to be more than he could handle. In July of 2017 he was arrested for petty theft, accused stealing $150 worth of merchandise from Fry’s Electronics. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail but, due to overcrowding, served only 12 days. Less than a week after his release, Weiss was arrested once again for possession of a controlled substance and sentenced to 90 days in jail. A year later, Weiss was arrested for public intoxication and subsequently announced he would be entering rehab.

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In light of his legal troubles, Weiss opted to step away from the industry into which he poured his heart and soul for nearly two decades. Currently, he is married to Shannon Weiss and resides in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley.