Handfield studied theater and film at Ohio State University, graduating with a degree in journalism in 1993. His first job in media after college was as a production assistant at E! Entertainment Television. After moving to Los Angeles, his acting career included the role of Dwight Tanner, (Robert Duvall's son) in the 1998 film Deep Impact, and Pete Bradley in the 1997 film Defying Gravity. His films as an actor also include Captain Jack, Cause N' Effect, and A Reason to Believe. He has also appeared on television, including the shows Saved by the Bell: The New Class, Profiler, and JAG.