Hunter Parrish

Actor Hunter Parrish never shied away from taking risks when it came to his career¬, even blowing off the chance to star in one of Disney's most successful movie franchises at one time. But those risks paid off when he won a career-making role on Showtime's critical darling, "Weeds" (2005-12), as a grieving teenager who is forced to abandon his insecurities and man-up after his father passes away. Parrish honed his natural comedic talents in films like "RV" (2006) as a geeky teenager on summer vacation and in "17 Again" (2009), where he played a high school bully. He also drew critical reviews for his portrayal of the only white student in an inner-city high school in the inspiring drama, "Freedom Fighters" (2007). But it was his role on the edgy series, "Weeds," that allowed Parrish truly flex his acting muscles and prove to Hollywood that he was primed for bigger, bolder roles.

Hunter Parrish was born on May 13, 1987 in Richmond, VA, and was raised in Plano, TX. Beginning his acting career while still in his teens, Parrish appeared on a number of television series such as the "The Guardian" (CBS, 2001-04), and crime dramas like "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (CBS, 2000-15), and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (NBC, 1999- ). He also guest starred on the short-lived series, "Summerland" (The WB, 2004-05), about a struggling fashion designer (Lori Loughlin) whose life is turned upside down after adopting her niece and nephews.

In 2006, Parrish appeared as a brainy teenager in the feature comedy, "RV," opposite Robin Williams, Cheryl Hines and Jeff Daniels. To score the part in "RV," he missed the final round of auditions - he was reportedly one of the leading contenders - for the male lead in the hit Disney movie, "High School Musical" (2006). The part eventually went to Zac Efron who, after starring in the film's sequels, emerged as one of the biggest teen superstars of the day.

In 2007, Parrish impressed as a troubled inner-city youth in the teen drama, "Freedom Writers," starring Hilary Swank and Patrick Dempsey, before playing an arrogant high school basketball player in "17 Again," featuring Matthew Perry as a dissatisfied 37-year-old who goes back in time to relive his glory days as a 17-year-old star athlete (Efron). While films provided Parrish a steady stream of projects, he scored his biggest break on the award-winning comedy series, "Weeds," opposite Mary-Louise Parker. Her character, Nancy Botwin, is a suburban mom who, after her husband's unexpected death, starts dealing marijuana to pay for the bills. Parrish played Silas Botwin, Nancy's insecure 17-year-old son who is forced to grow up quickly and be the man of the house. His role on the edgy series called for numerous shirtless moments, including a much talked about nude scene with a woman 15-years his senior (Julie Bowen) in season four. In 2009, Parrish played Meryl Streep's son in the big screen comedy hit, "It's Complicated," which also starred Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin.