Lived for a time in London and Japan. Prior to getting his first acting role, he was earning $7.50 an hour working in a Venice, California, motorcycle shop.

Formerly a model for Prada

Was in a car accident in late February 2005 in Berlin, Germany, when after attending a REM concert, his driver swerved into traffic suddenly at the wrong moment, and a semi-truck struck the car in which he was riding. He was jettisoned through the windshield and landed on the sidewalk, receiving some damage to the left side of his face, for which he had to undergo surgery.

The former model Helena Christensen is his longtime girlfriend and the mother of his son. They said that they are not officially married.

Had a baby boy named Mingus Lucien Reedus with Helena Christensen, born 13 October 1999 in Helena's native country, Denmark.

Is of Irish descent.