Hayden Christensen

Born: 19 April 1981
Where: Vancouver, Canada

The actor shot to intergalactic stardom after being cast by George Lucas as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.

He was originally discovered when he accompanied his trampoline champion sister to a meeting with an agent - and it was suggested he get one himself.

He began with small parts in children's TV shows such as Goosebumps as well as TV and straight-to-video movies like Freefall.

However, it was his long-term role as a drugged-up and abused delinquent in the otherwise lacklustre Higher Ground which brought him to more widespread attention.

He followed it up with a role in Sofia Coppola's directorial debut, The Virgin Suicides, playing Jake, the boffin allowed to join three boys as escorts for four sisters.

He also took a supporting role in TV movie Trapped in a Purple Haze, notable mainly because it starred his friend, Jonathan Jackson - who had been touted for the part of Anakin.

Within a month of its airing, Christensen had nabbed the role, reportedly due to on-screen chemistry with Natalie Portman.

He also impressed in the Irwin Winkler's otherwise disappointing Life As A House with Kevin Kline.

In 2003, he won plaudits for his portrayal of journalistic fraudster Stephen Glass in Shattered Glass with Hank Azaria.

He recently reprised the role of Anakin Skywalker when he becomes Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.