Ron Gilbert's dad was a Russian Jew who migrated to the USA in 1919. His mom was a first generation Italian American. He was born in East Harlem (104 Street and 1st Avenue)in Manhattan and attended St Lucy's Parochial School where he was an altar boy. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx where he excelled in Track and football. After that had a scholarship to CCNY, where he boxed and wrestled.US Army heavyweight boxing champion in Fort Jackson,South Carolina He was always interested in acting and after his stint in US Army, he attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. After that he studied with Lee Strasberg is a lifetime member at the Actors Studio. He was married to Catherine Dickhaus for 3 years and has 2 children, Adam Frank and Lauren Snow. He has one other daughter Lea Norin, He also has 4 grandchildren Chase and Enzo (Adam's children) and Jack Snow and Alice(Lauren Snow's children). His son Adam who died in 2005 from a head injury He works out at Muscle Beach in Venice and usually rides his bike or motorcycle there.