Gary Valentine

Living… in the 1970s in Sherman Oaks, California, in a modest ranch-style house. His mom is a restaurant publicist, and she’s not around much.

Profession… ex-child actor looking for a new hustle. Gary is only 15, but his time in the spotlight is already up. He’s starring in pimple cream commercials instead of movies now.

Interests… waterbeds, pinball machines, fine dining, and older women.

Relationship Status… single. Gary finds the girls his age too simple. He has a crush on a 25-year-old woman who he met at his school when she was working as an assistant for the photographer for class pictures. It was love at first sight for Gary, and he wants to spend every waking moment around Alana. They have great chemistry and a lot in common, but Alana reminds him that she can only be his friend, not his girlfriend because that’s illegal. Though that doesn’t keep Alana from flirting. 

Challenge… making money. Gary is always looking for the next big thing. And he thinks he’s found it: waterbeds. He’s started a business called Soggy Bottoms with Alana, and they have their first customer: the boyfriend of Barbara Streisand. They may not make money from selling waterbeds, but at least he will get to spend time with Alana.

Personality… optimistic, ambitious, and scrappy. A self-described “showman,” Gary is a go-getter and tries to act a lot more mature than he is. He's in a rush to grow up, trapped in the awkward area between adolescence and adulthood. But deep down, Gary is insecure. He seeks attention from Alana, who makes him feel cool, and his slick business talk is not as convincing as he thinks it is. Gary can be self-involved, as Alana says to him: “You think that the world revolves around Gary Valentine and whatever stupid [crap] you come up with.” But despite his flaws, Gary is always entertaining to be around.