Raised in Galveston, Texas and NYC

Received first theatrical experience in "garage theater" production of "The Sound of Music" in Galveston, Texas

While still in college, won first professional work as cast member on CBS daytime drama "Guiding Light"

Made feature film debut in "So Fine"

First screen collaboration with Tom Cruise, co-starring in the teen sex comedy "Losin' It" as Spider

Primetime TV debut in the busted pilot "Too Good to be True" (ABC)

TV-movie debut, "Quarterback Princess" (CBS)

Had featured role in the John Carpenter horror movie "Christine"

Co-starred as Billy Hazard in ABC miniseries, "North and South"

Starred in the comedy "My Science Project"

Reteamed with Cruise in "Top Gun" as as Cougar

Formed writing partnership with Scott Fields

Co-wrote screenplay (with Fields) for "Dangerously Close" produced by Cannon Films; also starred

Made directorial debut with "Under Cover" for Cannon Films; co-wrote script with Fields

Co-starred with Judd Nelson in the NBC miniseries "Billionaire Boys Club"

Was rhythm guitarist and lead singer with The Brood, a New York based rock group

Returned to TV in supporting role in the NBC mystery "Hart to Hart: Crimes of the Hart"

Appeared as a White House staff member in Oliver Stone's "Nixon"

Scripted the well-received black comedy "Breast Men" (HBO); also had small role

Wrote and directed the HBO original film "Cheaters"; received Emmy nomination for teleplay

Wrote and directed the feature "crazy/beautiful", starring Kirsten Dunst

Penned the screenplay for "Rock Star", starring Mark Wahlberg in the based-on-fact tale of an ordinary guy who aspires to be a heavy metal musician

Directed Kate Bosworth as a hard-core surfer in "Blue Crush"

Directed "Into the Blue" starring Paul Walker and Jessica Alba

Directed the horror film, "Turistas" about a group of young backpackers whose vacation turns deadly