Black was born in Decatur, Alabama, the son of Jan, an office worker, and Larry Black, a museum worker. He has two older siblings, brother Lee and sister Lori. Black was raised a Southern Baptist. He grew up in Speake, Alabama and played for the Speake Bobcats, graduating from high school in May 2001. He currently resides in Columbia, Missouri.
Without any formal training as an actor, Lucas's film debut was in the 1994 Kevin Costner film, The War. He was subsequently cast as Caleb Temple in CBS's television series American Gothic, which ran from 1995 to 1996, and in the films Sling Blade, Ghosts of Mississippi and The X-Files. Later in 1997 Black starred in the TV film Flash, which aired on The Wonderful World of Disney. In 1998, Black was offered a part in The Horse Whisperer. However, when he was told that he would need to tone down his thick Alabama accent for the part, he rejected the role. During this time period, Black also modeled for Calvin Klein Jeans.
Without any formal training as an actor, Lucas's film debut was in the 1994 Kevin Costner film, The War. He was subsequently cast as Caleb Temple in CBS's television series American Gothic, which ran from 1995 to 1996, and in the films Sling Blade, Ghosts of Mississippi and The X-Files. Later in 1997 Black starred in the TV film Flash, which aired on The Wonderful World of Disney. In 1998, Black was offered a part in The Horse Whisperer. However, when he was told that he would need to tone down his thick Alabama accent for the part, he rejected the role. During this time period, Black also modeled for Calvin Klein Jeans.