Raised in San Diego, California

Began journalism career at age 15, eventually writing on freelance basis for such publications as Playboy, Circus, Creem and Penthouse

Joined staff of Rolling Stone at age 16; worked as contributing and associate editor; wrote profiles on Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton, among others

Returned to high school (undercover) to do research for book on teenagers; result was top-selling "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"; optioned by Universal Studios in galley form, with Crowe slated to write screenplay

Feature writing debut, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"

First film as co-producer (also writer), "The Wild Life"

Co-directed and produced MTV special, "Heartbreaker Beach Party", a profile of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Served as creative consultant for TV series, "Fast Times"

Wrote album notes for Bob Dylan's "Biograph"; earned Grammy nomination

First film as director (also writer), "Say Anthing"

Wrote album notes for a boxed set of recordings by Led Zepplin

Breakthrough feature as writer-director, "Jerry Maguire"; earned Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay

Signed three-year, first-look deal with DreamWroks SKG

Wrote and directed the autobiographical "Almost Famous", based on his years as a teen reporter for Rolling Stone; earned Best Original Screenplay Academy Award

Reteamed with Tom Cruise on "Vanilla Sky"

Wrote and directed the feature "Elizabethtown" a dramady starring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst