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]
