From his supporting roles in "Liberty Heights" and the critically acclaimed drama series "Once & Again" to his breakout role in "A Walk To Remember," Shane West is quickly rising through the ranks as one of Hollywood’s leading young actors.

He most recently landed a starring role on NBC’s Emmy winning drama "ER" as Ray Barnett, an athletic and charming new intern. "I've been a fan of Shane West's work for several years," said John Wells, executive producer of the series. "He's terrifically talented and we're delighted he's agreed to join us and have some fun." This is not West’s first time on the small screen. He starred as Eli on the ABC dramatic series "Once & Again," which was created by "Thirtysomething" phenoms Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz.

Starring in the Warner Brothers feature "A Walk To Remember" opposite pop-singing sensation Mandy Moore proved to be the breakout role for this young thespian. The feature is based on the 1999 Nicholas Sparks ("Message In A Bottle") novel of the same name. The story follows a jaded, aimless high school senior, Landon (West), who falls in love with a guileless young woman, Jamie (Moore), whom he and his friends once scorned before learning that she is dying. Adam Shankman ("The Wedding Planner") directed the picture.

West is currently filming his first independent feature film, "What We Do Is Secret," in which he will star as the late Darby Crash – the gay, heroin-addicted lead vocalist of the influential late-‘70s Los Angeles punk rock band The Germs. The movie tells the story of Crash’s life and untimely death.

West has also starred opposite screen legend Sean Connery in the Fox feature film "The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen," where he stars as the legendary Tom Sawyer, a courageous, clever young crime fighter who is determined to stop an infamous villain with the help of his fellow super heroes.

Recently, West was named one of the "Top 10 Prime-Cut Hunks" by the TV series "Real Access." Among his other earlier television credits are guest-starring roles on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Sliders" and "Boy Meets World."

West’s other film starring roles include "A Time for Dancing," "Get Over It" and "Whatever It Takes." His had notable stage success when he starred in the Mark Taper Forum’s production of "The Cider House Rules." He debuted in the role of ‘Angel’ and garnered great praise for his first theatrical role.

When the Baton Rouge native has time off, he keeps himself busy by playing in his band, Jonny Was, for which he plays lead guitar, as well as writing most of the music and lyrics for the group. One of the group’s songs can be heard on the "A Walk To Remember" soundtrack.