An accomplished actor and author, he was born on May 17, 1966, in Iowa City, Iowa. He earned degrees from Brown University and Harvard Law School. He gained prominence with his role in the TV series "CSI: NY" and has appeared in films such as "He Got Game" and "The Skulls." Beyond acting, he is a bestselling author of motivational books and an advocate for education and social justice. His work extends to philanthropy, emphasizing youth empowerment and community development.