Mehcad Brooks

The son of a former NFL player and a celebrated high-school athlete in his own right, this Texas native worked as a model before transitioning to acting in his early twenties with a recurring role on Boston Public. In 2005 he caught a break when he joined the cast of Desperate Housewives as the secretive son of the one black family on Wisteria Lane. Although new to showbiz, Brooks has experienced his own share of drama, including the shooting death of his teen cousin in 2000.Mehcad Brooks Fast Facts:

• Decided that he wanted to be an actor during a childhood visit to Universal Studios, where he ended up shooting Desperate Housewives.
• Excelled in football and baseball during high school and was named an all-state basketball player. Must be in the genes: his father is former NFL wide receiver Billy Brooks, who played with the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Brother Billy Brooks was one of two other actors considered for the role of Matthew Applewhite on Desperate Housewives.
• Named as one of Daily Variety's Ten Young Actors to Watch in 2005.

• Mehcad Brooks Relationships:
• Alberta Phillips - Mother
• Billy Brooks - Father
• Billy Brooks - Brother
• Gary Bledsoe - Stepfather
• College:
• Attended University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television, Los Angeles, CA