Bill Pullman

Born: 17 December 1953
Where: Hornell, New York

While never elevated to the higher Hollywood firmament, Pullman is still one of the industry's most versatile stars.

Memorable appearances have included Meg Ryan's fiance in Sleepless in Seattle, the spurned lover in Malice and even the American president in Independence Day.

One of seven children, the cerebral star - he has two unrelated degrees - was not encouraged by his medical parents to go onto the stage.

However, after catching the acting bug as a theatre coach at Montana State University he went to New York to work on off-Broadway productions.

Following a move to LA's Theater Centre, he won his first feature role in the comedy hit Ruthless People.

The role of Captain Lone Starr in Space Balls followed...and his career was launched.

A forceful performance as Jodie Foster's suitor in Sommersby and a subtle show in the black thriller The Last Seduction all added to his allure.

Roles followed in While You Were Sleeping and Caspar before he was cast as President Thomas J Whitmore in Independence Day

He went on to star in the comedy thriller Lake Placid opposite Bridget Fonda, Lucky Numbers with John Travolta and The Guilty for director Anthony Waller.

Pullman continues to run his Jam Center theatre in LA which he often contributes to as an actor on stage.

He spends much of his spare time with his family at the ranch he co-owns with his brother in Montana.

Recent roles have included a schizophrenic father in Igby Goes Down and a James Bond character in Ignition with Lena Olin.