Cameron Finley

Cameron Finley (born August 30, 1987) is an American former child actor who successfully transitioned to a career as a molecular biologist, illustrating a rare blend of artistic and scientific talent. He was born in Garland, Texas, the son of Lexa Iann (née Aulgur), a spiritual healer, and Charles David "Chuck" Finley, a software developer, and grew up alongside his two siblings, Taz and Stopher, in a supportive family environment that encouraged both creative and intellectual pursuits. At the age of three he attended an acting seminar near his home, which launched a remarkably early start in the entertainment industry, leading to his first national commercial for Shell Oil and subsequent spots for Taco Bell, Shout, and Brink's Security. Finley's film debut included roles in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, A Perfect World, and 8 Seconds, and he quickly became a familiar face on television, appearing three times on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His most iconic performance came in 1997 when he was selected from over 5,000 candidates to portray Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver in the feature film Leave It to Beaver, a role that cemented his status as a beloved child star and earned him multiple Young Star and Young Artist Award nominations. Additional notable credits include Hope Floats, where he played the whimsical Travis, and the Disney direct‑to‑video movie Perfect Game in 2000. After deciding to leave acting at age 13 to focus on a normal schooling experience, Finley completed his secondary education at Moorpark High School and earned a degree in molecular biology from the University of California, San Diego in 2010. Since then he has worked as a researcher, publishing several peer‑reviewed articles and contributing to advances in his field, while residing in Brooklyn, New York. Finley's journey from child celebrity to dedicated scientist underscores a remarkable dedication to personal growth and lifelong learning.