Born in Duluth, MN to a working class Midwestern family. Father was an exterminator, Mother an engineer. Attended Denfeld High School and graduated half a year early. Moved to St.Paul,MN where he was accepted into a small modeling agency and then moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue acting.

Studied at the Playhouse West in Universal City, and then Ivana Chubbuck Studio. Was offered the lead in "Shiner" while in acting class. Shiner went on to film festivals around the country and gained a small cult following. Had small role in the David Fincher's Zodiac, but was cut out of the film.