Has trained in the martial arts nearly all his life and is a fifth-degree black belt in Shotokan karate and a second-degree black belt in Shorin-Ryu karate.
Lived in Tokyo, Japan, for six months to study karate during a hiatus from college.
In addition to English, speaks French, Japanese, German, and Hebrew.
Is also a stand-up comic.
Graduate of Yale University.
His father is Dann Passoja, a physicist and painter noted for his writing, with Benoit Mandelbrot, on fractals.
His mother is Dr. Margaret Lewin, a physician who is also a former
aeronautical engineer, and a former president of the New York
Medical Society.
Is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio.
Father of Julia and Isaac Passoja.
Is of Finnish, German, and Hungarian descent.
His paternal grandfather was Ernie Passoja, a trombonist with Horace Heidt and his All Star Band. Ernie was known as the High Note King. He also taught music for many years, even after he retired to St. Petersburg, Florida.
Winner, best screenplay, Elevate Film Festival, 2008.
Nominated for Best Actor in the Chicago Horror Film Festival (September 2008)
Was Class A New England wrestling champion in high school.