Five Fast Facts About General Hospital Star Coby Ryan McLaughlin

Coby Ryan McLaughlin currently plays disgraced Dawn of Day cult leader Shiloh on General Hospital, but the actor has also been on The Young and the Restless as Andrew Lynford.

Not to mention, McLaughlin has made appearances on shows such as Castle, Parenthood, Graceland, Two and a Half Men, and The X-Files. From how he got interested in entertainment to becoming a father, here are five fast facts about the General Hospital star.

In The Beginning 
McLaughlin was born on May 17 and he is from Woodland Hills, California. He spent some of his childhood in the midwest and on the east coast. In fact, he also grew up in Illinois and Missouri, but he ended up attending Penn State University.

Thanks, Uncle
McLaughlin was initially introduced to the entertainment business by his father, who was a production sound mixer. However, it was his uncle — who was a dolly grip — who got him a job on the set of the show Burke’s Law, which co-starred Peter Barton (ex-Scott Grainger, YR), scrubbing camera cases. This is what got him interested in working with cameras.

Turning Point
When he first started acting, McLaughlin also worked as a bartender and waiter to make ends meet. But, his work on MTV’s Undressed in 1999 was a big turning point. In fact, after landing that gig, McLaughlin quit his side jobs and focused on being an actor full-time.

Parenthood Tribe
McLaughlin has appeared on many shows over the years, but many people may know him from his recurring role on the hit NBC show, Parenthood. He played the character of Chris Jeffries, Julia Braverman’s boyfriend.

Proud Papa
McLaughlin is the proud father of an 8-year-old daughter named Nico. Though he’s not with the mother of his child — she’s a longtime friend — and they co-parent very well. The father-daughter duo makes sure to go hiking and enjoy movie nights. General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.