DouggrewupinDetroitandMinneapolis,eventuallymovedtoN.Y.C.,andattendedtheJuilliardSchoolforabriefstint.AfterstudyingtwoyearswithSanfordMeisnerandworkingaplethoraofodd-balljobs(includingdressedasagiantCitibankcardhandingoutfliersinTimesSquare),theactorworkedinregionalandOff-BroadwaytheaterbeforelandinghisfirstfeaturesupportingroleinFreshHorses(1988)