Ian Javier Alvarez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Carlos Alvarez and Glenda Rodriguez. Ian attended Saint John's School High School, where he dipped his toes in acting for the first time, taking part in several theater and musical productions including Lin-Manuel Miranda's adaptation of In The Heights where he played Usnavi. After graduating high school, Ian attended Rutgers University and received a BA degree in business/marketing. During his university years Ian signed with Ford Models New York, where he worked with several fashion brands including Abercrombie and Fitch and Hollister Co. Ian is based in Los Angeles where he is pursuing acting.