Dylan James Ellis was born in Raleigh, North Carolina to Janet Ellis (realtor) and Jay Ellis, a realtor, builder and musician. Growing up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina he took interests in music, surfing and acting. Deciding that he was destined to be in California - he moved out at age 18 to attend his last year of high school in San Diego, California. He was instantly hooked and moved to Los Angeles immediately after graduating college in San Diego to pursue a career in acting.