Raised in Broadstairs, Kent, England

Film acting debut as Benvolio in "Romeo and Juliet"

Co-starred opposite Isabelle Adjani in Truffaut's "L'Histoire d'Adele H/The Story of Adele H"

Gave up acting to concentrate on writing

First produced screenplay, "The Killing Fields", directed by Roland Joffe

Film directorial debut, "Withnail & I"; also scripted; first collaboration with actor Richard E Grant

Reteamed with Grant for "How to Get Ahead in Advertising"

Returned to directing with the thriller "Jennifer 8"

Published first novel, "The Peculiar Memories of Thomas Penman"

Credited as co-screenwriter (with Wesley Strick) on "Return to Paradise"

Returned to acting, co-starring in "Still Crazy", directed by Brian Gibson

Scripted "In Dreams", directed by Neil Jordan