McLaughlin was born in La Mesa, California. He began acting after being encouraged by his older brother who had also been a child actor. McLaughlin says he suffers from stage fright and because of this does not act on stage very often.[1]
In 2008, McLaughlin was nominated for at the Young Artist Awards for Best Performance in a Feature Film-Supporting Young Actor - Comedy or Musical' for his performance in Georgia Rule and 'Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special-Leading Young Actor' for his performance in You've Got a Friend[2]
