Cameron Crowe

Born: 13th July 1957
Where: Palm Springs, California

An early career in journalism led Cameron to publications such as Playboy, Circus and Penthouse. At the age of 16 he joined the staff of Rolling Stone and worked as a contributing and associate editor.

Cameron's first novel - Fast Times at Ridgemont High - was a huge success and was optioned by Universal Studios almost as soon as it was published.

Before the book was ever turned into a movie, Cameron co-produced a film in 1984 called The Wild Life.

Cameron's musical talent was apparent in 1986 when he wrote the album notes for Bob Dylan's Biography - for which he earned a Grammy nomination.

The aspiring director finally helmed his first movie - Say Anything - in 1989, but it was Jerry Maguire, seven years later that really shot him to fame.

It was this job that brought him a Best Original Screenplay Oscar nomination.

In 1997 he signed a three-year, first-look deal with DreamWorks SKG, and as soon as he was out of this contract he wrote and directed Almost Famous - based on his years as a teen reporter for Rolling Stone.

His work earned him a Best Original Screenplay Oscar.

Cameron's latest project was Vanilla Sky - the film set where the two stars, Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz infamously got together.