Ken & Gerard

Ken, a freelance casting director in New York City, and Gerard, a financial consultant in New Jersey, are the odd couple brother Team. They describe themselves as "different in almost every aspect of their lives...married vs. single, conservative vs. liberal, straight vs. gay," but they share a similar sense of humor and love of laughter. Of eight siblings growing up, they provided the comic relief to their family…and still do.

Despite their dramatic differences, Ken and Gerard enjoy spending time together. Some of their favorite activities are eating, laughing, walking around New York City and talking politics. Now that they don't live in the same city anymore, they are looking forward to spending an extended period of time together.

After receiving his Masters degree at Columbia University, Gerard became a youth director on the Lower Eastside. During that period, he is extremely proud of having put together successful programs for over 1,500 immigrant youths. Gerard currently resides in New Jersey, and is an accomplished financial advisor with a major firm.

One of Ken's greatest accomplishments was going out on his own as a freelance casting director five years ago. He is also extremely proud of joining Gotham Volleyball, a gay volleyball league. This was one of the first times Ken felt that his homosexuality didn't interfere with him playing sports and being part of a team. Now 40, Ken wants to go on this adventure to fulfill some of his short-term goals, face his fears and live his life.

Ken's birth date is May 15. Gerard is happily married ten years to his wife Jennifer and is the father of twins. He celebrates his birthday on November 16.^[1]

How would you describe your previous travel experience?

• Ken: I have not been out of the country since 1987, when I was performing. I love to travel, and try to do it at least 3-4 times a year. My business has taken me to many places throughout the USA.
• Gerard: I've been to many countries, but nothing recently. I went in high school and college mostly (Spain, Italy, England, Portugal, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean).

What is the most stressful aspect of traveling?

• Ken: Having to wait many times out at the check-in gate. I also hate having to make connections to other flights with minimal time. Time changes (zones) take an effect on me.
• Gerard: Having to wait--delays--and time changes (loss of sleep).

What is the most important item in your backpack, and why?

• Ken: My most important item is my "Just for Men" (medium brown) to dye my goatee (Vandyke). I turn white in a matter of days.
• Gerard: My toiletry bag: toothbrush, paste, deodorant (creature comforts).

Why did you want to be on THE AMAZING RACE?

• Ken: I just turned 40 and was tired of being an inactive participant in many aspect of my life! It sounded so exciting to be able to travel at someone else's expense and have an opportunity, 1 in 12, to be paid a million dollars.
• Gerard: I wanted to go on a great adventure.

Have you and your partner traveled together before? If so, what was it like?

• Ken: We recently went to out cousin Annie's wedding in Michigan. We got lost traveling between the church and the reception. I was also chauffeuring other people and we were very late and unfortunately missed the cocktail hour (horrors)!
• Gerard: Yes, we have a lot of fun together and laugh a lot! (And we have some funny fights.)

What do you fear most about competing in THE AMAZING RACE?

• Ken: Heights and not having much (any) downtime without my brother.
• Gerard: Heights and lack of sleep.

What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the Team?

• Ken: I can see "outside" the box while thinking ahead. My strengths are that I am always thinking about the next step. I get things done. The downfall is that I am disappointed and hold things in when they don't go my way.
• Gerard: I am organized and have a good sense of direction and am good with maps. I have a hard time being pushy (assertive) with airport personnel, hotel personnel, etc.

What strengths and weaknesses does your teammate bring to the Team?

• Ken: He is very good with money and can honestly make me laugh. His weakness is that he talks too much and gets on my nerves. Sometimes he holds things in and then explodes like Mount St. Helens.
• Gerard: Strength: Ken is very good at getting what he wants. He is also very funny, which will keep up our spirits. Weakness: he can be too pushy, which can backfire. He has a short fuse: little tolerance sometimes.

What will you miss the most from home (besides your bed)?

• Ken: My laptop computer and the vibe of NYC.
• Gerard: My wife and 2 kids (twins 2 1/2 years old).

What languages do you speak?

• Ken: English only.
• Gerard: Spanish.

What destination are you hoping to visit?

• Ken: Italy: I imagine great food. Amsterdam: awesome place. Japan.
• Gerard: Russia, China, Antarctica.

What country do you feel best prepared for?

• Ken: All!
• Gerard: Spain: I spent a semester abroad there and speak the language.^[2]