Born on September 12, 1978, in Austin, Texas, he is an American actor and producer. He rose to fame with his role as Ryan Atwood on the television series "The O.C." from 2003 to 2007. He further cemented his status with his portrayal of Ben Sherman in "Southland" and later as James Gordon in the series "Gotham." He has also appeared in films such as "Junebug" and "88 Minutes." Known for his intense performances, he has built a diverse career in both television and film.