Born on July 29, 1972, in Burbank, California, he began acting at a young age. He gained early recognition for his role as Gordie Lachance in "Stand by Me" (1986). He later became widely known for playing Wesley Crusher on "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Beyond acting, he is a writer and a prominent figure in the geek community, often hosting and participating in various web series and podcasts. His work in promoting mental health awareness has also been significant.