Known for his success hosting Animal Planet's series, "The Planet's Funniest Animals," and Entertainment Magazine's show, "The List," Emmy award winner Matt Gallant ties his triumph back to his days at the University of Rhode Island.
Raised in Connecticut, Gallant said he came into college very shy. After graduating in 1986, he said he knew television was what he wanted to do.
Gallant raved about his time on the radio. Being able to cover basketball and football games for the Rams motivated him to work as an intern at Channel 6 in Providence. Working with former sports anchor Walt Perkins helped Gallant prepare himself for post-graduate employment, as did his time working for "The Letterman Show" and NBC, in New York City, as a page.
Gallant headed out to California after landing numerous roles in smaller projects, including different television ads and appearances on soap operas. In Los Angeles, Gallant found work for MTV and reporting for ESPN networks.
In addition to hosting several shows and occasionally doing small roles, recently Gallant has been working as a producer for some behind the scenes roles, and said that he has learned that the media market out in California is diversifying now more than ever.
Adding to his resume, Gallant will be the face of a new digital channel called "The Unicorn Network," which is broadcast exclusively on YouTube.
When he is not working on television assignments or travel documentaries, Gallant donates his time volunteering with the Make-A-Wish foundation. He is looking forward to holding his fundraiser, "Matt Gallant's Bowling for Wishes." The event will raise funds for children with life-threatening conditions. The University recognized Gallant for his successful career and passion to give back when he was chosen as the Commencement Speaker in 2004.
Despite spending much of his time in the entertainment realm, Gallant, a New Englander at heart, is rooting for the Patriots this Sunday.
Overall, Gallant made it explicit that he had such a great experience attending the University of Rhode Island. He expressed the importance of working hard and always trying your best, because the entertainment and media business is a tough competition.
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