He’s perhaps best known for his chilling portrayal of the titular Creeper in the popular MGM horror franchise Jeepers Creepers, a role that truly defined his career. Over the years, he’s also made memorable appearances on television, with guest spots on hit series like JAG and Friday Night Lights, showcasing his range beyond the big screen. Before all the fame and recognition, though, he started out in theater—yes, as a stage actor—honing his craft live in front of audiences. His official screen debut came in 1998 with the TV movie I Married a Monster, marking the beginning of what would become a compelling acting journey. Growing up in a lively household of seven, he found early joy in performance, often putting on little plays for his parents, who must have sensed early on that their son had something special. And honestly, looking back now, it’s clear that passion was there from the start. He’s definitely come a long way since those family-room performances.
He actually wore special contact lenses while filming his scenes as The Creeper in Jeepers Creepers, which, believe it or not, left him completely blind during those shots. It’s kind of hard to imagine, but he had to rely entirely on his other senses and the crew’s guidance because the lenses blocked his vision entirely. He really committed to the role, and that level of dedication definitely added to the eerie presence of The Creeper. Honestly, it’s impressive how he managed such intense scenes without being able to see a thing—talk about trust and professionalism. He truly became the character, and those contacts played a big part in making The Creeper feel so unnerving and real.