Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as Sam Elliott, Sam **** attended Princeton University where he earned a BA in ecology and evolutionary biology. For his senior thesis, **** wrote about the mating habits of a female mosquitofish; the work was published in a science journal. After graduation, **** went on to become a series regular on CBS's "Shark". He also landed a recurring role on The WB's "7th Heaven." In 2002, People Magazine named **** to their Most Eligible Bachelors list.