He’s the leading actor known for standout roles in films like Cheap Thrills, The Innkeepers, Great World of Sound, and Compliance—a talented performer who eventually stepped behind the camera for his directorial debut with 2017’s Take Me. Over the years, he’s made memorable appearances in a wide range of projects, including The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Rescue Dawn, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Pearl Harbor, and even Home Alone 3. Before all the spotlight and success, he started building his craft at Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre, where his acting journey truly began. And just a fun little detail—his mom gave birth to him on a Tuesday. Yeah, he’s come a long way since then, shaping his career with dedication and versatility. Definitely one of those actors who keeps evolving, you know?
He wrote and directed a short film titled Mullitt, which ended up making its debut at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. It gained quite a bit of attention, and before long, HBO decided to acquire it. He really put a lot of effort into the project, and seeing it premiere at such a prestigious festival was a major milestone. The success of Mullitt helped solidify his reputation as a talented filmmaker. He definitely made the most of the opportunity, and the film’s journey from festival favorite to an HBO acquisition was impressive. He often reflects on that time as a turning point in his career.