Dax Randall Shepard was born on January 2, 1975, in Ypsilanti, Michigan but he was raised in Milford. He has been a well-regarded American actor, comedian, filmmaker, and podcaster active since 1996. Shepard has made a name for himself by appearing in films from various genres such as Without a Paddle, Zathura: A Space Adventure, Employee of the Month, CHiPs and Hit and Run, not only as an actor but as a writer and a director too. Shepard also played well-received roles in the NBC comedy-drama series Parenthood and Netflix's show The Ranch. He's also acted in the MTV prank reality series Punk'd. In addition to his film and TV career, Shepard is known for co-founding the diaper and baby product company Hello Bello along with his wife Kristen Bell. He was named after the rich playboy Dax (Diongenes Alejandro Xenos), by his mother from the Harold Robbins' novel The Adventurers. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in anthropology from UCLA. Shepard's acting journey began with The Groundlings improv troupe, which eventually led him to a breakthrough role in Punk'd. Shepard also has a successful podcast, Armchair Expert, where thought leaders are invited for illuminating conversations.

Shepard initiated his career in Santa Barbara and moved to Los Angeles in 1996, making a breakthrough with the improv show Punk'd along with Ashton Kutcher. Since then, he bagged roles in numerous films and TV series, finally making his directorial debut with Brother's Justice that won the Audience Award at the 2010 Austin Film Festival. From 2010 to 2015, Shepard was part of Parenthood. Meanwhile, his performance in Hit and Run, a low-budget film that he also wrote, produced, directed, and starred in, allowed him to explore his passion for car chases and fast driving scenes. Shepard's personal life involves a long-term relationship with actress Kristen Bell and being a father to two daughters. He has been vocal about his struggles with substance abuse and has been working toward sobriety for several years. Shepard additionally, is an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast and engages in charity work, particularly with the Hollenbeck Youth Center.