Kao grew up in the suburbs of Virginia, USA. He attended George Mason University where he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity and graduated with a degree in Speech Communication. Kao was elected Homecoming King while at George Mason University. While at GMU, he served as student body president (as well as vice-president the year prior). He had planned to attend law school and possibly work in politics before becoming an actor.

Kao speaks and understands rudimentary Mandarin Chinese because he grew up in a bilingual household. He has two sisters. He also studied French for six years while in school.[citation needed]

Kao shares birthday with fellow Power Rangers actress Thuy Trang (1973-2001), who played the original Yellow Ranger, Trini Kwan, in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from 1993 to 1994.

He was named one of People Magazine's "Hottest Bachelors" in 2006.

Kao currently resides in Los Angeles.

Filmography

* 2008: Desperate Housewives
* 2008: The People I've Slept With
* 2008: Thunder Geniuses
* 2007: The Hills Have Eyes 2
* 2006: Need for Speed Carbon(VG)
* 2006: Fast Money
* 2004: Nomad
* 2002: When In Rome
* 2002: My Daughter's Tears
* 2002: Local Boys
* 2002: Purpose
* 2001: The One
* 2001: Thank Heaven
* 2000: Power Rangers in 3D: Triple Force
* 1999: Power Rangers Lost Galaxy: Return of The Magna defender (V)
* 1998: Milk and Honey
* 1997: The Player

TV work

* 2008: Desperate Housewives (guest appearance) - Steve.
* 2006: Heroes (guest appearance) - Doctor.
* 2004: Huff (guest appearance) - Kane.
* 2004: ER (recurring role) - Yuri.
* 2004: Century City (guest appearance) - Bartender.
* 2002: Power Rangers Wild Force (voice) - General Venjix
* 2001: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2001-present) - Archie Johnson. (Also appeared in 1 episode as M.Blaze.)
* 2000: Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue (guest appearance) - Kai Chen.
* 2000: Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue (voice) - Liztwin.
* 1999: Once and Again (recurring role) - Steve.
* 1999: Power Rangers: Lost Galaxy (series regular) - Kai Chen.
* 1996: Maybe This Time (guest appearance) - Takeshi.
* 1996: L.A Fire Fighters (guest appearance) - Peter.