John Elvis Lara was born on January 10, 1992, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His middle name, Elvis, is a tribute to his late Uncle Steven, who was affectionately nicknamed Elvis. John's parents, a Korean national and a Mexican American, exposed him to a rich cultural diversity from a young age, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
John's family moved frequently during his childhood until he was 10 years old, when his father decided to settle in his hometown of Rockport, Texas. He was homeschooled and privately educated until the 8th grade, after which he attended Rockport-Fulton Middle School and Rockport-Fulton High School.
Academically, John excelled, maintaining an A average throughout his four years of high school and graduating with honors in the class of 2010. He was also an accomplished athlete, lettering in varsity cross-country during his freshman year. John's passion for boxing led him to pursue the sport throughout high school, and he also developed a love for skateboarding, which he still enjoys today. Additionally, he worked as a lifeguard at the local pool for three years, becoming the head lifeguard within three months.
As the oldest of three siblings, John hopes to set a positive example for his brothers and sisters. He is also an avid music lover and has played drums in several bands in his hometown of Rockport. Currently, he is the drummer for the Hoodrat Hughes, a band he co-founded with fellow artist Jake Shelton.
John's entry into the acting world was a serendipitous occurrence, facilitated by a random act of God and a call from the Barbizon school. Scouted by Calliope Talent Management and Calliope Talent, Model & Artist Management, John became a full-time working actor within two years. During this time, he worked as the full-time Production Manager for the Calliope office.
John's nationwide team includes CEsD Los Angeles/New York and the Landrum Arts Agency in Louisiana. He is excited to have secured the role of "Ben" in CBS's highly anticipated summer TV series event, Under the Dome (2013). Looking to the future, John hopes to open a skateboard shop and sponsor aspiring skateboarders who may not have the means to pursue their passion.
John's story is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and determination, and he continues to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry.