Got the acting bug when he performed in a second-grade Christmas play
Sang in punk-rock bands in high school and college
Appeared in several high-school productions and continued studying acting in college
Performed with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival for two years
Early break in show business came when he was cast as a drummer in the short-lived WB series My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star
Cofounded and performed with the sketch-comedy group the Norm
Film debut was in the American Idol-inspired From Justin to Kelly in 2003
Biggest break came when he earned what was supposed to be a onetime guest appearance on NCIS in 2004 as an assistant medical examiner; his Jimmy Palmer character wound up becoming a regular
Routinely volunteers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles