Celebrities I had met
Pretty cool how laid back they are in person and want to live a normal life. Its so different when you actually meet a celeb and reality kicks in. Hollywood is all fantasy. Heres a list of celebs I have met, or gone to their house once.
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- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Andrew McCarthy grew up in Westfield, New Jersey, until he was 15, when his family moved to Bernardsville. He attended the Pingry School, a prep school, where he performed in plays and musicals and played basketball. At 18, he went to New York University as a theatre major and wound up as the lead in the 1983 film Class (1983). He also studied at the Circle in Square Theater School in New York. He has been in several on and off Broadway shows, such as 'Long Day's Journey', as well as over 40 movies. He continues to show his talented acting abilities in upcoming movies and shows.
Since the mid-2000s, McCarthy has had a second career as a travel writer for such publications as National Geographic Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Afar, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, Bon Appetit, The New York Times, Men's Journal, and Slate, among others. In 2010, the Society of American Travel Writers awarded McCarthy their Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism prize and named him Travel Journalist of the Year.Bumped into Andrew accidentally with my bike while I was crossing the street in Dublin, Ireland this summer of 2013 and he was calmly taking a stroll with his sunglasses on down the sidewalk. I almost ran into him and felt so bad! That was a very random meeting of him and didn't think I would ever meet him from being a long time fan of his movies. It turns out he only lives about 5 miles away from my boyfriends house and we've been down that street a million times. My boyfriend already knew about him for sometime now. He's been living in Dublin with his wife for 2.5 years now and made it his home. Andrew is very fond of Ireland and has written several articles and made videos about his life there and his many travels. Hopefully, next time I'll be able to shake his hand and property introduce myself and ask for an autograph.- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Bono was born Paul David Hewson in Dublin, Ireland on May 10, 1960, to Iris (Rankin) and Brendan Robert Hewson. He has been the lead singer of the rock band U2 since 1976. U2 has won 22 Grammy Awards to date, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Lauded by fans and critics as an outstanding performer and songwriter, Bono has also been praised by world leaders as an accomplished activist due to his powers of persuasion and knowledge of the issues. He travels extensively to give speeches and lobby politicians. Bono's career as a socially conscious musician has been shaped by childhood experiences in Ireland as well as volunteer work in Africa and South America. He married his childhood sweetheart Ali Hewson in 1982, and actress Eve Hewson is among their children. An accomplished activist in her own right, Ali Hewson once declined an invitation to run for President of Ireland because her husband "would not move to a smaller house". They live in Dublin with their four children: Jordan, Memphis Eve, Elijah Bob Patricius Guggi Q and John Abraham.
Bono was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for his successful efforts to relieve third world debt and promote AIDS awareness in Africa. He received the rank of Chevalier dans I'Ordre de la Legion d'Honneur (Knight in the Order of the Legion of Honor) from French President Jacques Chirac on February 28, 2003.Drove up to his house in Killiney, Ireland in the summer of 2012 and took pictures standing by his gate. Very private area he lives in up on a huge hill looking over the ocean where he can go all the time to relax. I remember his gardener came out to close the gates and thats when we left. It was pretty cool to see and how tall and big the walls were wrapped around the entire neighborhood for privacy with all the other celebrity homes. Everyone lives so close to eachother.- Actor
- Director
- Producer
David Soul achieved pop icon status as handsome, blond-haired, blue-eyed Detective Kenneth Hutchinson on the cult "buddy cop" TV series Starsky and Hutch (1975), Soul also had a very successful singing career recording several albums, with worldwide number one hit singles including "Silver Lady" & "Don't Give Up on Us Baby".
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, David Soul is the son of a minister who was at one time serving as the religious affairs advisor to the U.S. High Commission in Berlin. At 24 years of age, young Soul joined a North Dakota musical revue, was noticed by a keen-eyed talent scout, and signed to a studio contract. He went on to study acting with the Irene Daly School of The Actors Company, and with the Columbia Workshop in Hollywood. He first appeared on TV in small roles in shows including I Dream of Jeannie (1965), Flipper (1964) and All in the Family (1971). Regular TV work kept coming in for Soul including making masked appearances on The Merv Griffin Show (1962), as the popular singer known only as "The Covered Man."
In 1973, Soul was fortunate enough to be cast as one of the corrupt motorcycle cops in the Clint Eastwood thriller Magnum Force (1973), where his talents came to the attention of several TV execs who were looking for someone to play one of the lead roles in the upcoming Starsky and Hutch (1975) TV series. After four seasons, the show came to an end, yet Soul's talents were still in demand. He quickly went on to appear as the meek writer turned terrified vampire hunter Ben Mears in the chilling television mini-series Salem's Lot (1979), and then as Jake in the interesting television movie Homeward Bound (1980).
Several undemanding movies and TV series appearances followed for Soul. However in 1988 he scored rave reviews for his portrayal of real life, cold-blooded cop killer Michael Lee Platt in In the Line of Duty: The F.B.I. Murders (1988). It was considered highly controversial for its intense level of violence in a made for TV production.
David Soul remained very busy throughout the 1990s and beyond, in both film and on stage productions. He has toured internationally in several theater productions, including playing the narrator in the critically-acclaimed production of Willy Russell's Blood Brothers, plus a successful UK tour performing in Ira Levin's Deathtrap. Fans of the original TV series were glad to see Soul back with Paul Michael Glaser doing a cameo appearance in the big-budget movie version of Starsky & Hutch (2004).
Throughout his life, Soul has continually championed social causes often utilizing his own funds to raise awareness on issues including the impact of the Vietnam War, the shutdowns in the US steel industry, animal welfare, world hunger and HIV education. Soul has for several years made his home in the United Kingdom, where he has appeared at the Edinburgh Festival, on several British TV shows and has become a keen soccer fan supporting English club, Arsenal FC.I went to his play, "Love Letters" in Dublin in the summer of 2012 and thought he seemed like a laid back guy. Didnt have a chance to meet him, but felt like he was a normal person besides being a singer and an actor from the tv series, Starsky and Hutch.- Actor
- Director
- Producer
David DeLuise is an actor, director, producer and son of legendary actor and comedian Dom DeLuise and actress Carol Arthur. His godparents are Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft.
DeLuise is now perhaps the most popular dad on TV. He's won the admiration of millions of children and parents alike for his portrayal of family patriarch Jerry Russo on the hit Emmy award-winning Disney Channel series, "Wizards of Waverly Place." He also starred in "Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie," which aired on the Disney Channel to over 25 million viewers.
DeLuise has been a familiar face to television audiences for years in the hit series "Stargate SG-1" and "3rd Rock from the Sun." and guest starred in "Shameless", "NCIS", "Hawaii Five-0", "Real Rob", "Rizzoli and Isles", "Baby Daddy", "Bones", "Without a Trace", "ER", "Monk", "Gilmore Girls", "CSI", "CSI: New York" and "CSI: Miami".
On the big screen, DeLuise has appeared in "Pup Star", " Unbroken: Path To Redemption", "Vampires suck," and "Robin Hood: Men In Tights".
He has directed episodes of "How to Rock", "See Dad Run", "Lab Rats and The Thundermans".
David began his career at the age of 8 when he starred as Dom's son in the movie "Hot Stuff."
DeLuise is married to German actress, director and voiceover artist Julia Stoepel.Had a chance to talk to David on his Official Myspace page before Myspace changed in 2008, I think. Its been years now! Very nice and funny guy who talks to most of his fans. I remember we were chatting about random things from the weather to working, etc. It was pretty fun chatting to him and wanted me to keep his email address and added me to his Twitter. I still couldn't believe it was him, but it was! Nice to have a celeb that is very caring towards his fans and looks out for them.- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Aaron Jackson starred on the NBC live-action musical comedy series, California Dreams, where he played Mark Winkle, one of the band's lead singers.
Prior to landing his role on California Dreams, he did a wide range of theatrical productions, including Bye-Bye Birdie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Tea and Sympathy, Torch Song Trilogy, Guys and Dolls, Rumors, and, the critically acclaimed, Bobby Socs It To Ya. Aaron has recently returned to the stage, starring in Arsenic and Old Lace, Owl and the Pussycat, Mousetrap, and Harvey at the Cultural Arts Theatre.
Other television credits include Silk Stalkings and a pilot called Impact, a talk show for teens. Aaron is starring as Raoul in the upcoming TV pilot, Coney Island.
Film credits include Lorenzo's Oil, From Venus, and Children of the Corn: Fields of Terror (based on the book "Children of the Corn" by Steven King.) Other film credits include Wicked Spring, Heaven's Neighbor, and Tangy Guacamole, Captain, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (a remake of the 1962 Academy Award winning film), The Pain Within, and Biophage.
Aaron has also directed the films Cross to the other and Ghost Story Chronicles. He recently finished directing the award winning film, Fighting a War of My Own and is currently producing The Bar Mitzvah.
Aaron has also done a variety of national commercials, including a P.S.A. on AIDS for which he received the "Ace Award".
Aaron is most proud of the work he has done helping aspiring actors break into the acting industry. He travels the country coaching up and coming talent in the art of acting, specializing in monologue and audition prep, scene study, character breakdown, and improvisation.
Aaron has been a motivational speaker for 18 years. His company, Dangerous Curves Productions, was founded in 2007. His primary focus is to help students make positive choices in their lives. He speaks to students across the country on the dangers of drug and alcohol use, the negative effects of bullying and how to set achievable goals. He also works hand-in-hand with non-profit organizations, such as D.A.R.E., Make-A-Wish, St. Jude's Hospital, Special Olympics, the Love Ride for MDA, and the Ami Thom Foundation, just to name a few.Met Aaron in 1997 when "California Dreams" was being repeated on NBC every week and held a "meet and greet" event at my dads used car lot where I had a chance to get his autograph that I still have and sat and talked with him for hours while my dad was working. I remember being so star struck and shy back then that I didnt know how to talk to him, so he did most of the talking and went on about his new film, Children of the Corn (4?) he was starring in and that he's not planning on returning to tv. He looks like he's doing well today. I still remember that soft scented cologne with his white tshirt and jeans he was wearing that day. I was only 14 at the time! Time flies.- Actress
- Producer
- Additional Crew
A true triple-threat, Emmy Award-winner Julianne Hough is known to audiences around the world for her success in the worlds of film, television and music. She became a household name virtually overnight as a two-time professional champion on ABC's top-rated "Dancing With the Stars," before making a seamless transition to award-winning recording artist and making her mark on the world of motion pictures, recognized by the National Association of Theatre Owners as Rising Star of the Year at the 2011 CinemaCon Conventions.
In 2013, Julianne starred opposite Josh Duhamel in Nicholas Sparks' "Safe Haven," directed by Lasse Hallstrom, which topped the box-office on its Valentine's Day opening and earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination. Prior to that, she starred opposite Russell Brand and Octavia Spencer in Diablo Cody's "Paradise," marking the Oscar-winning screenwriter's directorial debut. She starred as Sherrie Christian, the female lead in the film adaptation of the international musical sensation, "Rock of Ages," part of a superstar cast including Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Mary J. Blige. She made headlines by winning the coveted female lead role in Paramount's 2011 remake of the classic movie musical, "Footloose," and critics praised her performance in the film. She made her film debut in the star-studded ensemble of Screen Gems' musical "Burlesque," working alongside an all-star cast, including Cher, Christina Aguilera, Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell and Cam Gigandet. She appeared in the comedy "Dirty Grandpa," opposite Robert De Niro and Zac Efron, and starred as fitness pioneer Betty Weider in the feature "Bigger."
On January 31, 2016, Julianne fulfilled her lifelong dream of playing the role of Sandy in FOX Television's critical and ratings hit, "Grease Live!," which was nominated for 10 Emmy Awards, winning four awards including Outstanding Special Class Program. As performed by Julianne and the cast, the show-stopping "You're the One That I Want" won the MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Musical Moment, beating such heavy hitters as Ariana Grande and John Legend's "Beauty and the Beast," Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling" and the Ryan Gosling-Emma Stone duet, "City of Stars" from "La La Land."
In 2014, Julianne and her brother, Derek, produced, co-directed and starred in MOVE Live on Tour, which sold out theaters across North America. They followed that success with an all-new production in Summer 2015, which featured live vocal performances by Julianne and Derek in addition to fresh, exciting choreography featuring the superstar siblings and the MOVE Company Dancers.
They hit the road again in 2017 with MOVE Beyond Live on Tour, their biggest and best show yet, with brand-new stage production inspired by the elements - earth, wind, fire, and water - which the duo have infused into fresh, high impact choreography that only they can deliver. The show brought fans on a journey of dance and music, taking inspiration directly from the four elements as an exploration of the human relationship with nature. The pair was joined by the Move Company Dancers for group performances in styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hip-hop and everything in between.
In 2015, Julianne launched her lifestyle website and blog, Jules.
A born entertainer, Julianne Hough (pronounced "Huff") always loved singing, dancing and acting. At age 10, she was presented with an opportunity to study performing arts in London, which established her fierce independence and was the beginning of a period of intense training and education. She returned to Utah at age 15 and, after graduating high school, moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of a career in entertainment.
Quickly earning a solid reputation for her talent, discipline and professionalism, it took less than a month for Julianne to land a job as a dancer on the ABC game show, "Show Me The Money," and shortly thereafter joined the "Dancing With the Stars" tour as a company dancer before joining the cast of the hit series in the show's fourth season, where she was paired with two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Apolo Anton Ohno. She toured with the troupe again, before returning to the hit show for seasons five through eight, pairing with Indy race champion Helio Castroneves, comedian Adam Carolla, actor Cody Linley and country singer Chuck Wicks. Hough remains the youngest dancer to have won the competition twice, with partners Ohno and Castroneves. Her skills as a choreographer also led to a collaboration with Gwen Stefani on the singer's "Wind It Up" video.
Julianne earned Emmy nominations in 2008 and 2009 for Best Choreography for her work on the show and in 2015, won the Emmy for choreographing, along with her brother Derek and Tessandra Chavez, her and Derek's memorable performance of Sia's "Elastic Heart," performed live by the singer-songwriter.
Following her departure from "Dancing With the Stars," Julianne made several appearances on the show to promote her films and as a guest judge. She thrilled fans when she returned full-time to the ballroom as a judge for three hit seasons in 2014-15 and again in Fall 2016 and Spring 2017.
Julianne's self-titled debut album, released by Universal Music Group Nashville in 2008, hit the Billboard Country charts at #1 and entered the Billboard 200 at #3, marking the highest debut for a country artist since 2006. Her first two singles from the album, "That Song in My Head" and "My Hallelujah Song," soared up the country charts and she earned her first two 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards for Top New Female Vocalist and Top New Artist.
Hitting the road for the first time as a recording artist in 2009, Julianne opened for superstar Brad Paisley and later toured with George Strait, playing over 100 shows. Her second album, The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection, became an instant holiday classic for her legions of fans, distributed exclusively at Target.
In 2009, Julianne also starred in her first fitness DVD, "Cardio Ballroom," the first in a series designed to motivate exercise novices and enthusiasts alike on the dance floor. The second, "Just Dance!," was released in 2010, also topping sales charts for months.
In 2012, she created her own shoe line, Julianne Hough for Sole Society, a collaboration with leading women's footwear designer Vince Camuto and is highly sought-after in the world of commercials and endorsements, as an international spokesperson for Proactiv Solution and previously as the official spokesperson for Venus Embrace, co-authoring their "Goddess Guide to Getting Closer" for the company's 2009 marketing campaign. She was featured in the iconic Got Milk? Campaign and sang an updated version of the Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum theme, "The Taste is Gonna Move Ya," with numerous international campaigns in the works.
Julianne has a long-term partnership with MPG Activewear, which was introduced with 12 favorite styles curated and selected by Julianne from the popular line's Spring/Summer 2016 collection and now features quarterly collections designed by Julianne. She is the face of Giorgio Beverly Hills Fragrances, celebrating the iconic brand's 35th anniversary and the recent introduction of Giorgio Beverly Hills Glam. Julianne executive produced and she and Derek hosted a family Thanksgiving special for Disney that aired on ABC in November 2016, as well as "The Disney Parks' Magical Christmas Celebration," which aired on Christmas Day and was nominated for an Emmy. In May 2017, Julianne executive produced and co-hosted The Miss USA Competition for the second time.
In addition to her performing career, Julianne is also active in a wide range of philanthropic endeavors, charities and humanitarian efforts. Julianne has joined forces with the Kind Campaign to create and host Kind Camp, empowering and encouraging girls to be confident, beautiful women and to eradicate girl against girl bullying. Her charitable affiliations range from numerous causes and organizations that serve women and girls to those that are fueled by her lifelong passion for dogs and other animals, among many others.I actually had a chance to meet Julianne Hough once at the Footloose special screening in 2011 (radio competition) with some of its stars that included her, 2 other girls, and a guy in the movie. They sat in the screening with all of us and talked about the film before the movie came on. It was so fun! We got a little goodie bag from them after the showing. She seemed so nice and down to earth as if she wasnt even a celeb at all. I actually didnt even know who she was at the time since she was just getting out there as an actress.- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Amy Huberman was born in Dublin, Ireland. Amy is an actor and writer, known for The Bachelor Weekend (2013), Finding Joy (2018) and Threesome (2011). Amy has been married to Brian O'Driscoll since 2 July 2010. They have three children.Bumped into her as I was leaving the bathroom in the movie theater in Dublin, Ireland in 2012 and I didnt even see her coming in. I remember saying sorry and she was so polite and nice. Very petite and pretty in person. Didnt know who she was at the time, but found out from my bf that she's Brian O'Driscoll's wife (famous Irish rugby union player) and is an actress.- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Aidan Gillen is an Irish actor. He is best known for portraying Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish in the HBO series Game of Thrones (2011), CIA operative Bill Wilson in The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Stuart Alan Jones in the Channel 4 series Queer as Folk (1999), John Boy in the RTÉ Television series Love/Hate (2010), and Tommy Carcetti in the HBO series The Wire (2002).
In 2011, Gillen began playing Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish on the HBO series Game of Thrones (2011), for which he received his second Irish Film & Television Award nomination.
In 2015 he starred in Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) the second film in the Maze Runner trilogy.
He also appeared in the fourth season of Peaky Blinders as Aberama Gold,and reprises his role in the fifth season too.Seen him walking his dog on the beach (beautiful beach by the way with docks) in Co. Killiney, Ireland near Bono's home after going there in the summer of 2013 and he sat way up on the beach bleachers we were sitting on below him. He kept to himself and wanted some privacy, so no one didnt bother him. It was pretty cool to be around all of these celebrity homes while in Killiney.- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Stunts
Born to Italian emigrant parents, Emilio Marenghi and Raffaella Scanzillo, young Jerry took dancing lessons when he was young and aspired to be an actor. In November 1938, standing just 3' 4", he met up with the Oz-bound group of little people in New York and went by bus to California. There he was chosen to be the Munchkin who hands Dorothy a welcoming lollipop.Jerry Maren is actually the last surviving original munchkins that I had a chance to meet in 2001 (along with 4 other munchkins) at a special yearly Wizard of Oz Judy Garland event in Grand Rapids, MN where her childhood house still stands to this day. I got his autograph (where the money gets donated to the foundation) that I sadly lost in a move. I have to tell you he was the most sweetest and funny person as if he knew you :) Im glad he's still around and still living. I think his sense of humor and sweet outgoing nature is why. I didnt actually know he was a part of the old animated 1978 version of The Lord of the Rings that I love! Im huge LOTR's fan!- Karl Slover was 21 years old when he auditioned for the "Wizard Of Oz" movie and met the other 123 little people with whom he worked through a grueling two-month production schedule. "Standing four feet four inches tall, I was the smallest Munchkin," recalls Karl. "I couldn't even reach the doorknob." He is best known for being the first trumpeter in the film, but that was only one of his four roles in it: he was also one of the Munchkin soldiers, the only sleepyhead boy in the nest of Munchkin eggs, and one of the singers who led Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road. After completing the "Wizard of Oz" he joined the "Original World Famous Singers Midget Show" and sang and danced across America. He also appeared in several films. His advice for having a long life: "Just do the best you can. Enjoy what you have. Enjoy where you live. Most of all, remember what Judy Garland said in the movie: 'There's no place like home.'"Karl was one of the last surviving original munchkins from The Wizard of Oz and I had a chance to meet him in 2001 at a special Wizard of Oz Judy Garland event that is held every year close to her childhood home that I went to visit as well. He was so nice as well! They all were! He sadly passed away in 2011. RIP Karl 'Karchy' Kosicky!
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Jonathan Taylor Thomas was born Jonathan Taylor Weiss on September 8, 1981 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Claudine (Gonsalves) and Stephen Weiss. He has an older brother, Joel, and has Pennsylvania Dutch (German) and Portuguese ancestry. Growing up, he liked the music group Boyz II Men, and his favorite TV shows were Roseanne (1988) and Grace Under Fire (1993), but he also liked watching CNN news, to keep up to date with current events. One thing that Jonathan does not like is meat. He has been a vegetarian since he was four years old, and he doesn't use products that are tested on animals because he believes that it is wrong to hurt them.
When Jonathan was four years old, his family moved from Bethlehem to Sacramento, California. At the age of seven, Jonathan was working as a model for print advertisements in Sacramento, and over the next few years, he appeared in TV commercials for Kelloggs cereal, Mattel toys and for many other products. By this time, Jonathan was ready for bigger roles, and in 1989, he landed the part of Greg Brady's son Kevin in the TV special The Bradys (1990). In 1990, he landed his biggest role yet, as Randy Taylor on Home Improvement (1991). Jonathan's audition went well, but what really gave him an edge over the other boys was that the casting directors thought that he looked a lot like his TV dad-to-be, Tim Allen.
In 1991, Jonathan's parents divorced. He lived with his mother and his brother. He began work in feature length movies, as the voice of young Simba in Disney's The Lion King (1994), and as Ben Archer in Man of the House (1995) opposite Chevy Chase. Among his other movies are Tom and Huck (1995), The Adventures of Pinocchio (1996), Wild America (1997), and I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998).I wrote a letter to his fanbase way back in the 90's and about 9 months later, he wrote back to me with a signed postcard telling me how his summer went and to stay in school! lol I was so happy and shocked! I had such a crush on him! Sadly, I lost that postcard when I moved a long time ago though.- Actor
- Producer
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John Cusack is, like most of his characters, an unconventional hero. Wary of fame and repelled by formulaic Hollywood fare, he has built a successful career playing underdogs and odd men out--all the while avoiding the media spotlight. John was born in Evanston, Illinois, to an Irish-American family. With the exception of mom Nancy (née Carolan), a former math teacher, the Cusack clan is all show business: father Dick Cusack was an actor and filmmaker, and John's siblings Joan Cusack, Ann Cusack, Bill Cusack and Susie Cusack are all thespians by trade. Like his brother and sisters, John became a member of Chicago's Piven Theatre Workshop while he was still in elementary school. By age 12, he already had several stage productions, commercial voice overs and industrial films under his belt. He made his feature film debut at 17, acting alongside Rob Lowe and Andrew McCarthy in the romantic comedy Class (1983). His next role, as a member of Anthony Michael Hall's geek brigade in Sixteen Candles (1984), put him on track to becoming a teen-flick fixture. Cusack remained on the periphery of the Brat Pack, sidestepping the meteoric rise and fall of most of his contemporaries, but he stayed busy with leads in films like The Sure Thing (1985) and Better Off Dead (1985). Young Cusack is probably best remembered for what could be considered his last adolescent role: the stereo-blaring romantic Lloyd Dobler in Say Anything (1989). A year later, he hit theaters as a grown-up, playing a bush-league con man caught between his manipulative mother and headstrong girlfriend in The Grifters (1990).
The next few years were relatively quiet for the actor, but he filled in the gaps with off-screen projects. He directed and produced several shows for the Chicago-based theater group The New Criminals, which he founded in 1988 (modeling it after Tim Robbins' Actors' Gang in Los Angeles) to promote political and avant-garde stage work. Four years later, Cusack's high school friends Steve Pink and D.V. DeVincentis joined him in starting a sister company for film, New Crime Productions. New Crime's first feature was the sharply written comedy Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), which touched off a career renaissance for Cusack. In addition to co-scripting, he starred as a world-weary hit man who goes home for his ten-year high school reunion and tries to rekindle a romance with the girl he stood up on prom night (Minnie Driver). In an instance of life imitating art, Cusack actually did go home for his ten-year reunion (to honor a bet about the film's financing) and ended up in a real-life romance with Driver. Cusack's next appearance was as a federal agent (or, as he described it, "the first post-Heston, non-biblical action star in sandals") in Con Air (1997), a movie he chose because he felt it was time to make smart business decisions. He followed that with Clint Eastwood's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), in which he played a Yankee reporter entangled in a Savannah murder case.
Cusack has always favored offbeat material, so it was no surprise when he turned up in the fiercely original Being John Malkovich (1999). Long-haired, bearded and bespectacled, he was almost unrecognizable in the role of a frustrated puppeteer who stumbles across a portal into the brain of actor John Malkovich. The convincing performance won him a Best Actor nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards. In 2000, Cusack was back to his clean-shaven self in High Fidelity (2000), another New Crime production. He worked with Steve Pink and D.V. DeVincentis to adapt Nick Hornby's popular novel (relocating the story to their native Chicago), then starred as the sarcastic record store owner who revisits his "Top 5" breakups to find out why he's so unlucky in love. The real Cusack has been romantically linked with several celebs, including Driver, Alison Eastwood, Claire Forlani and Neve Campbell. He's also something of a family man, acting frequently opposite sister Joan Cusack and pulling other Cusacks into his films on a regular basis. He seems pleased with the spate of projects on his horizon, but admits that he still hasn't reached his ultimate goal: to be involved in a "great piece of art".Met him at the airport in Dublin, Ireland without knowing he was there and he came out of the bathroom with his head down and came to say hi to my boyfriend and I. Shook my hand and got a picture with him. He was such a down to earth and nice guy! Still couldn't believe that we met him.