An American actor and filmmaker, he was born on July 19, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Raised by a single mother, he experienced homelessness in his youth, which later influenced his work. He began his acting career in the late 1990s, appearing in films like "Snow Day" and "The Laramie Project." Known for his indie film presence, he often collaborates with his family, incorporating personal experiences into his projects. He's also an advocate for social issues, drawing from his own life challenges.