The aspiring actor was 17 when he appeared on Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County for two seasons. According to a write-up on the OC Register from 2007 , he was "shy with the girls but is regarded as one of Newport Harbor High School’s hottest guys." In the same interview, he also shared his dreams of becoming an actor. "I’m hoping (the show) will kind of jump start it," he said. "I’m interested in the whole aspect, whether it be in front of the camera or behind." TMZ also points out that he was friends with Jennifer Lawrence in the early stages of their careers.