John David Whalen was born in Baltimore, Maryland. After attending the Boys' Latin School of MD, he was awarded a Presidential Appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Despite his desire for a career in entertainment, he decided to uphold his commitment to the United States and complete his degree in Oceanography at Annapolis and accept his commission as a Naval Officer.

His distinguished naval career spread across the globe from San Diego to London to the Middle East. John David resigned his commission as a Lieutenant in the US Navy. He began to perform in several plays and short films during the next few years. Later, he moved to Los Angeles to continue his career as an actor.

After only a short time in Los Angeles, John David's feature film debut is in Casino Jack. John David plays real life ex-lobbyist Kevin Ring. John David inaugurated the roll of Benny in Women are Crazy because Men are Assholes now playing in Nee York, and appeared in the AFI film, Real Love. John David starred as an undercover DEA agent with a heroin addiction in the pilot, Snitch. His most recent project, Tsunami, won a Cannes Lion for Best Picture.