Multi-talented actor, writer and director Paul Johansson stars as Dan Scott in The WB’s hit drama “One Tree Hill.” The NY Post recently wrote “JR is back. (Paul’s character is) TV’s meanest man.” The new season premieres September 27th. Paul can also soon be seen in the feature film “Alpha Dog,” which he appears in the film opposite, Bruce Willis and Justin Timberlake. The New Line film is slated to open late 2006.

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” and “Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct.” Johansson also made memorable guest appearances in “Dharma and Greg” and “The Drew Carey Show.” He also has a recurring role in “The District.” On the big screen, Johansson played Sally Field’s soap opera husband in the film “Soapdish.” His other movie credits include “When the Party’s Over,” “The Big Picture,” “She’s So Lovely,” “A Wilderness Station" and "Carnival of Souls.”

As a filmmaker, Paul 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. Paul was awarded two Emmys for the feature film he wrote and directed, “The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie.” The film stars Gena Rowlands and James Caan and was produced by Nick Cassavetes.

Paul is single and splits his time living in Venice California, and filming his show “One Tree Hill” in Wilmington, S.C.