Wesley Cook Bentley born September 4, 1978 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to David and Cherie Bentley, two Methodist ministers. Wes joined older brothers Jamey and Philip, and was later joined by younger brother, Patrick. Raised until 10th grade in Mountain Home, Arkansas, Wes was Drum Major at his junior high, and wanted to be a hip-hop artist. Wes later attended Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, Arkansas, where he was in the drama club. He placed second in the state of Arkansas in solo acting in 1996, his senior year of high school, the same year he starred in local production of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Wes appeared onstage quite a bit in Little Rock. At The Weekend Theater, Wes played the straight son of the gay couple in a production of La Cage aux Folles. At Murray's Dinner Theatre, Wes's plays included Oliver. At his mother's urging, Wes attended Juilliard School in New York after high school graduation. He was there only a short time, but appeared in stage work like Henry IV, Part 1 and The Weavers. Wes then worked at Blockbuster, and was a waiter at TGI Friday's on Long Island.


Attended Sylvan Hills high school in Sherwood, Arkansas. Attended The Julliard School in New York City. Brother was a Youth Minister in Topeka, Kansas. Cast as Lestat in Queen of the Damned (2002) before dropping out and being replaced by Stuart Townsend. While filming Three Below Zero (1998), the director Simon Aeby forbid Bentley from skateboarding to the set in New York City because he was the principle talent and needed to be on set every day of filming. But Bentley ignored the director's advice and continued to arrive each day via skateboard. Attended the same high school as actor Russell Taylor, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, before Bentley transfered to high school in Sherwood, Arkansas before his junior year. Was discovered at an open cattle call for the film "Rent". A casting director spotted him, and asked him to read for his film. Seven call backs later he was given the role, but the movie was never made. The third of four sons, which included older brothers Jamey and Philip and younger brother Patrick.