Cavanaugh was raised in Vallejo, California; his parents divorced when he was young.[1] Cavanaugh started performing as a child and did a Young Actor's Workshop at a local community college.[1] Cavanaugh attended Diablo Valley College before transferring to Arizona State University, where he majored in theatre.[1] Cavanaugh was on the ASU improv team.[1]
Cavanaugh is a faculty member of John Rosenfeld Studios in West Hollywood.[1]