Ten fun facts about Emile Hirsch

Fact 1
He began performing in the late 1990s, appearing in several television films and series.

Fact 2
He became known as a film actor after roles in Lords of Dogtown, The Emperor's Club, The Girl Next Door, Alpha Dog, and the Sean Penn-directed film Into the Wild.

Fact 3
He enjoys writing poetry and screenplays, along with skateboarding.

Fact 4
In 2008, Hirsch starred in Speed Racer and Milk.

Fact 5
He participated in “Summit on the Summit”, an expedition to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness of the need for clean water in the world.

Fact 6
Hirsch began acting at the age of eight in Woodstock, Illinois, appearing in minor roles on television shows and made-for-television films, including Kindred: the Embraced; Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and NYPD Blue.

Fact 7
Hirsch is of part Jewish descent.

Fact 8
His sister introduced him to acting when they were enrolled at the Will Geer Theatricum, a summer drama camp in Topanga.

Fact 9
Following his appearance on NYPD Blue, casting directors began singling him out as a serious young actor, leading to a two-episode guest-starring role on ER.

Fact 10
He made his feature film debut with Jodie Foster's 2002 drama, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys, where he starred.