Shane West was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the son of Leah Catherine (née Launey) and Don Snaith, both of whom were musicians. He has a younger sister, Simone, and a much younger half-sister, Marli Ann. His parents divorced and at the age of 10, West moved to California with his mother. He is of Cajun French descent through his mother. West has had regular roles in the television series ER as Dr. Ray Barnett and Once and Again as Eli Sammler and had a small appearance in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the episode "Go Fish" and a leading role as Landon Carter opposite Mandy Moore in the film A Walk to Remember. West won the Young Hollywood Award Male Superstar of Tomorrow in 2002. West also won a Teen Choice Award for Choice Chemistry with Mandy Moore for the film A Walk to Remember. West is currently acting, performing with The Germs and living in Los Angeles. He is the singer and leader of the punk rock band "Jonny Was".