Born and raised in inner city Los Angeles of Greek immigrant parents, Elias is the second of three children. He spent many summer vacations and school holidays as a child working in his father's produce business. During his freshman year in college Elias was drafted into the Army. His military service included a tour of duty in Vietnam as an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division. Upon his return from the military he finished his college education and earned a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry with the intention of going to dental school. After not getting accepted into dental school, he worked a series of odd jobs and eventually embarked into the world of fashion. Working as a model out of New York, Paris, and Milan he built a successful career which lasted for over ten years until he decided to return to Los Angeles and begin his journey as an actor. Elias is also an accomplished photographer and credits the late, great Ken Haak for being his inspiration and mentor.
