Began performing while at Oxford

Toured the US with the Oxford/Cambridge Sshakespeare Company; played Touchstone in "As You Like It"

First professional job, as assistant director at the Royal Court Theatre, London

Awarded an Arts Council grant to direct plays at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield

Became associate director at the Old Vic

First acting success on BBC-TV series, "Not the Nine O'Clock News" (also writer)

Directed stage show, "Not in Front of the Audience," based on "Not the Nine O'Clock News"

Feature acting debut, "Babylon", a British drama about black working-class life

"Not the Nine O'Clock News" syndicated on US TV

Star and writer of British TV series, "Alas Smith and Jones" (with partner Griff Rhys-Jones); toured Great Britain and Australia with stage show based on series

First substantial film role, playing a reformed crook in the British thriller, "Slayground"

Feature screenwriting debut (with Rhys-Jones), "Morons From Outer Space"; also starred and provided theme song

US feature debut, Rob Reiner's "The Princess Bride"

Film directorial debut, "The Tall Guy" (also played six uncredited parts)

American TV directing debut, "Dream On"

Directed the hit comedy film "Bean"

Helmed "High Heels and Lowlifes"