Dougald was born in the small mill town of Toledo, Or. (pop.2,800). He attended community collage and then the University of Oregon, dropped out and began working at the local theatre (Oregon Repertory Theatre) acting in 16 shows in three years. He was accepted at The American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. In the years after he worked many regional theaters including; Denver Center Theatre Co., Seattle Repertory racking up more than 60 roles. The first production of The Ciderhouse Rules ( at Seattle Rep.) directed by Jane Jones/ Tom Hulce was moved to The Mark Taper Forum in 1998, and Dougald came with it. After working at The Taper and The Geffen Theatre, Dougald started getting work on television in supporting roles. He lives in Glassell Park, Los Angeles and has a daughter, Ruby.