A renowned actor, Getz hails from a family of four siblings, raised in the picturesque Iowa and the majestic Mississippi River Valley of Northern Illinois. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Iowa, where he honed his theatrical skills by performing in numerous plays. Encouraged by his experiences, Getz decided to pursue acting as a professional career.
His journey took him to Napa, where he participated in a children's theater production, which subsequently led him to the East Coast. Getz made his debut in New York with a play at LaMaMa, sharing the stage with notable actors Danny DeVito and Peter Riegert. He then spent a season (1970-71) with the prestigious American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco, before joining the esteemed Actor's Equity organization.
In the following year, Getz played a pivotal role in founding the Napa Valley Theater Company in Yountville, California. One of his earliest notable roles was as "Shampoo Man" in a Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo commercial, shot in the late 1970s. Additionally, he appeared in the workshop and inaugural production of the musical "The Robber Bridegroom".