Multi-talented actor, writer and director Paul Johansson stars as Dan Scott, Lucas and Nathan’s father, who is struggling to recover from his latest attack and seemingly wants to put his family back together, in the hit drama One Tree Hill.
Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Johansson was an avid athlete like his father, a former NHL player. After playing with the Canadian National team and leading his University to the Canadian College Championship game, he began contemplating a professional career in basketball overseas. Johansson chose to close the door on his athletic career and instead set his sights on Hollywood.
Making his Hollywood debut on the soap opera Santa Barbara, he soon moved on to a succession of television roles in such shows as Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, Beverly Hills, 90210, Lonesome Dove: The Series, Highlander: The Raven, Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct, Dharma and Greg, The Drew Carey Show and a recurring role in The District.
On the big screen, Johansson's movie credits include Soapdish, When the Party’s Over, The Big Picture, She’s So Lovely, A Wilderness Station, Carnival of Souls and Alpha Dog.
As a filmmaker, Johansson wrote and directed the acclaimed 19-minute film short, Conversations in Limbo, which opened the Toronto Short Film Festival. This film was honored at the Nashville Independent Film Festival and ultimately acquired by the Sundance Film Channel. Johansson was recently awarded two Emmys for the Showtime television film he wrote and directed, The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie.
Currently, Johansson lives in Los Angeles.