Born in Wilmington, Delaware, and raised in Troy, Michigan, Spahn attended college at Interlochen Arts Academy. He made his film debut in the 1998 comic drama Polish Wedding, co-starring Jeffrey Nordling. His film credits since then include Shelf Life, Lovers, Liars & Lunatics, and Living the Dream. In addition to Voyager, he made an appearance on the 1,000th episode of the soap opera General Hospital. He also had a role in Robert Altman's 2004 television movie Tanner on Tanner, starring Matt Malloy.