While Hollywood is a town where it definitely helps to get your foot in the door by having parents in the industry, sometimes those parents can cause a long shadow that is hard to break out of. In the case of Evan Ross, he’s making a move and working it, because few shadows are longer than that of his famous mother, Diana Ross. Evan, while honing his acting chops for many years with roles on various TV shows and small parts in movies, is having a real moment. His first breakout was his recurring role on 90210 as Charles Selby.

A few months ago, at Tribeca, Evan reached a new high as the irresistible loving boyfriend Romeo to Kyle Gallner’s (‘Beaver’ from Veronica Mars) character in Courtney Cox’s directorial debut film Just Before I Go.

He had an interesting role in the Duplass Brothers movie Jeff Who Lives At Home that helped him refine his skills enough to land one of the biggest roles coveted right now – Messalla in the Hunger Games series. He’s currently filming this role and including his roles in parts one and two has six projects in various stages of announcement / production.

Evan’s also had a big year personally, getting engaged to Ashlee Simpson. They’re an adorable couple and his foray into marriage is a testament to his really stepping into the spotlight as an adult. We can’t wait to see his take on Mesalla and many more things to come from this rising star!