Wang's first schooling was in Bermuda, after which he moved back to the US at the age of nine. Graduating from Harding Academy High School in Memphis, Tennessee, he studied at UCLA, where he began to major in Asian studies until a theater instructor there convinced him to pursue acting. He began performing in a number of productions, and continued to do so after graduating.

In 1997, he was chosen by People Magazine as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World". And in 2001, E! (Entertainment Television) selected Wang as one of the "20 Coolest Bachelors" in the country.

Wang is also a fan of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. In an interview with TV Zone magazine in 1998, he stated his favorite episodes as being "Far Beyond the Stars", "Little Green Men", "Our Man Bashir", and "Trials and Tribble-ations".

While not an official participant of the ceremony, Wang was the only main actor of any Star Trek series to attend the closing ceremony of Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas on 1 September 2008.

Wang is of Chinese descent. His Chinese name is 王以瞻 (Wang Yizhan or Wang Yi Chung), translating to "One who is admired by many". His last name is pronounced "wong".