One of five children, Paul Leyden was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, by his parents, John and Ros. After graduating high school, he attended both Monash University and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts, graduating with degrees in economics and dramatic arts, respectively.

Leyden got his big acting break in the Australian mini-series Tribe. Since then he has appeared in episodes of F.A.R.S.C.A.P.E., Beastmaster, Dragnet, Law & Order: SVU and Ghost Whisperer. Most recently he was cast opposite Heather Locklear as "Tony" in the short lived NBC series LAX. Leyden is probably most recognizable for his role as Simon Frasier on the soap As the World Turns. In 2002 the actor received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Oustanding Supporting Actor.

Leyden is also a very active writer. He wrote, co-produced and directed a 15 minute short film called Liquid Assets. He has also co-written a psychological thriller, The Factory, with writing partner Morgan O'Neill. The Factory was the winner of Project Greenlight Australia. In Melbourne, he and two friends were previously running Wandering Wolf Productions and he has since started up a new company, Jackknife Productions.

Currently, he is getting ready to appear in the new Australian medical/legal drama Canal Road while working on his screenplay, The Factory, which was purchased by Dark Castle and is set to star John Cusack.

In his spare time, Leyden enjoys playing outdoor sports, the saxophone and guitar.

His birthday is December 16.