Bio
Josh Duhamel (pronounced duh-MEL) is an American actor and former male fashion model best known for his roles as Leo du Pres on the soapie All My Children (a role he originated in 1999), and later as James Caan's young security guard officer and Head of Surveillance and Security, Danny McCoy, on the drama series Las Vegas.
Duhamel was born in Minot, North Dakota, the son of Bonnie, a physical education teacher, and Larry David Duhamel, an advertising salesman.
His parents divorced during his youth, and while he remains close to both, he grew up with his mother and his younger sisters Ashlee, Mckenzee and Kassidy.
Duhamel attended Minot State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with the intention of attending dental school. He also played on the university's football team, as a quarterback.
Prior to his major success, Duhamel had won an IMTA modeling contest (his first runner-up was Ashton Kutcher).
He got a huge role in 1999 when he won the role of Leo du Pres, a charming schemer, on the ABC soap opera All My Children. His work on the show, especially his character's pairing with Rebecca Budig's Greenlee Smythe, garnered critical acclaim.
Duhamel often referred to Rebecca Budig as "Little Budig". In 2002, Duhamel earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Specian Fan Award for America's Favorite Couple shared with Budig, and won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Leo du Pres.
Later that year, Duhamel opted to leave All My Children to pursue other acting opportunities.
In 2003, Duhamel landed a prime time role on the NBC show Las Vegas playing casino security agent, Danny McCoy. He succeeded James Caan as president of the Montecito after Caan departed at the end of the fourth season.
Duhamel has also played the character in three episodes of Crossing Jordan, in a crossover story arc.
Duhamel has appeared on the big screen, landing roles in films such as 2004's Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004) and Transformers (2007).
In January 2004, Duhamel was engaged to his girlfriend of several years, fashion model Kristy Pierce, although they broke off their engagement soon after.
He is now in a relationship with Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson, who is the singer in the band The Black Eyed Peas. They met, and began dating, in September 2004 when she and her band appeared on Duhamel's show Las Vegas (in an episode titled "Montecito Lancers," which aired on November 1, 2004).
Duhamel and Ferguson have recently purchased a house together.
Duhamel currently lives in Brentwood. He enjoys basketball, football, skiing and golf.
He has also branched into entrepreneurship, opening a restaurant, 10 North Main, in his hometown.