Born in Washington, DC, one of six children to parents John and Peggy. Made his stage debut in "12 Angry Men" at Mater Dei boys school. Attended St. Albans School and performed in productions of "Caucasian Chalk Circle," "The Tempest," and "The Crucible." Spent two summers at Interlochen Arts Camp, working on productions of "Henry V" and "Hamlet," and a summer studying Shakespeare with the RSC at Oxford. Concentrated on Creative Writing at Stanford University, interned with Senator Ted Kennedy, and considered law school before deciding instead on a career in acting. Made his professional stage debut in The Washington Shakespeare Company's "Anthony and Cleopatra," followed by productions of "Prometheus" and "Picnic." Attended Juilliard's acting program.