[5] Born in Washington, D.C., Christian attended elementary school at St. Francis De Sales where he was first exposed to acting.
Christian moved to New York in the early 1980s, for which he was a member of the Actors Information Project, where he performed in stage productions.
Christian performed in the 1989 Off-Broadway revival of the play The Member of the Wedding, appearing with actress Esther Rolle.
[7] Christian guest-starred in television programs including The Cosby Show, ER, Malcolm in the Middle, Spin City, Hand of God (four episodes), Matlock,[7] Desperate Housewives and Monk.
[8][9] In 1995, Christian had spoken out at the Youth Forum Against Violence at the Network Club, making a speech to young people in Springfield, Massachusetts.