Moved to Southern California to attend college

Worked at construction jobs after a knee injury derailed his basketball career

Spent four years auditioning for commercials; despite landing a commercials agent, could not book one job

Worked in local theater in L.A.

Had lead role in the independent drama "Gas Station Jesus" (lensed 2000)

Made guest appearances on episodes of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (CBS) and "Roswell" (UPN)

Played 'The Other Man' in the festival-screened sci-fi thriller "One Blood Planet"

Had a supporting role in the teen romance "A Walk to Remember", based on Nicholas Sparks' bestselling novel

Featured in the thriller "Swimfan"

Acted alongside Al Pacino in the spy-themed suspense drama "The Farm"

Starred with Estella Warren in "Trespassing"

Cast in the WWII drama "The Great Raid," with Benjamin Bratt and Joseph Fiennes