Who Do You Think You Are? USA - Chris O'Donnell - 3:45 pm Friday, January 30 on BBC Two HD

Chris O'Donnell (Contributor)

Born: June 26, 1970 in Winnetka, Illinois

Best Known For: A string of big-budget thrillers.

Early-life: Christopher Eugene O'Donnell was born on June 26, 1970, in Illinois. He is the youngest child of seven siblings. He first started modelling at the age of 13, and at 16 began appearing in adverts. At 17, he was just about to give up on his showbiz dreams when he was offered the chance to audition for what would be his first film, Men Don't Leave. He didn't want to go to the audition, but his mother bribed him by saying she would buy him a new car if he went - he got the role (and presumably the car, too).

Career: Since his breakthrough, O'Donnell has appeared in a number of major motion pictures including Fried Green Tomatoes, the sensational Scent of a Woman, The Chamber, Circle of Friends and Vertical Limit. Big hits included fun offerings like The Three Musketeers. He also tried his hand at romantic comedy in films such as The Bachelor, and starred as Robin in the Batman franchise. For a time, he was tipped to be a true A-list star after building up an impressive body of work in a short time, but then he took some time away from the movies to be with his family and take some stage roles. He has since become a major small-screen presence in the hit series NCIS: Los Angeles.

Quote: "When I made Batman Forever, I felt like I was making a movie. When I made Batman & Robin, I felt like I was making a toy commercial."

Trivia: He enjoys playing golf.

Jim Albarano (Producer)

Alexandra Orton (Producer)

Dan Bucatinsky (Executive producer)

Al Edgington (Executive producer)

Alex Graham (Executive producer)

Pamela Healey (Executive producer)

Lisa Kudrow (Executive producer)

Born: July 30, 1963 in Encino, California

Best Known For: Playing Phoebe in Friends.

Early-life: Lisa Marie Diane Kudrow was born on July 30, 1963, in Encino, California, to Lee, a doctor, and Nedra, a travel agent. At school she was a talented tennis player, but decided to concentrate on more academic studies, and originally intended to become a scientist. She attended the famous Vassar College and graduated with a biology degree. However, the acting bug bit after Kudrow was inspired to perform by her brother's friend, comedian Jon Lovitz.

Career: Started out with Los Angeles improvisational theatre group The Groundlings, and her first big TV break came in the sitcom Mad About You, playing feisty waitress Ursula. Since then, Friends has made her a familiar face to millions across the globe. She has also appeared in several movies, including Analyze This, and the sequel Analyze That, with Billy Crystal and Robert De Niro, and The Opposite of Sex, which won her a prestigious New York Film Critics Award. In 2005, she appeared in short-lived sitcom The Comeback.

Quote: ""I think I'm still Phoebe to people and it would be hard to convince them otherwise."

Trivia: Kudrow was originally cast as Roz Doyle on Frasier, but the producers and writers decided they were changing the character too much to fit Kudrow's personality.

Timothy Kuryak (Executive producer)

Howard Lee (Executive producer)

Amy Winter (Executive producer)

Taylor Greathead (Editor)

Michael Levine (Editor)

Conrad Stanley (Editor)

Who Do You Think You Are? USA: Chris O'Donnell

3:45 pm - 4:15 pm, Friday, January 30 on BBC Two HD (102)

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Chris O'Donnell
Season 4, Episode 4

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