onica, California, USA)After years playing adolescents and eclectic youths, actor Tobey Maguire exploded onto the A-List and established himself as an international box ofice star when he landed the role of a certain web-slinging super-hero. As the star of director Sam Raimi's comic book blockbuster "Spider-Man"(2002) and its subsequent sequels, Maguire cut an impressive figure in his red-and blue costume, while perfectly personifying the gangly awkwardness of Spidey's alter ego, Peter Parker. In addition to acting, Maguire also branched out into producing-most notably the Spike Lee thriller "25th Hour" (2002) and "Seabiscuit" (2003), for which he served as both executive producer and star.
The product of a turbulent childhood, future actor Tobias Vincent Manguire was born on June 27, 1975 in Santa Monica, CA. The offspring of unwed parents, Maguire moved frequently as a child, living with various familial permutations of his parents, grandparents and aunts. This fractured childhood may have contributed to the young actor's drive and unique presence, evincing at once mature clarity and childlike vulnerability in his performances. After his mother, Wendy,, offered him $100 to take drama instead of home economics as a school elective, Maguire-encouraged by a neighbor who was an entertainment manager-studied acting and soon landed TV commercial work.
Manguire's first major gig was in the short-lived sitcom,"Great Scott!" (Fox, 1992-93). In it, Maguire played Scott Melrod, an adolescent with an active fantasy life. A refreshingly orginal offering, "Great Scott!" was critically lauded, but failed to find an audience. Despite smart writing and Maguire's engaging performance, the show was cancelled after only six episodes. Following the demise of "Scott," Maguire stayed busy with other telivision projects. His particularly impressive turn in the made-for TV drama "Spolls of War"(ABC, 1984) led to telivision work, including "A Child's Cry for Help"(NBC,1994) and fact-based drama, "Seduced by Madness: The Diana Borchardt Story"(NBC, 1996).
It would be on the big screen, however, where Maguire would truly make his mark, making his film debut in "This Boy's Life" (1993), the adaptaton of Tobias Wolff's seminal coming-of-age memoir. Cast in the supporting role of Chuck Bolger, a childhood friend of Leonardo DiCaprio's character of Toby, Maguire not only impressed critics-he more importantly forged a lifelong off-screen friendship with co-star DiCaprio. More impressive was Maguire's turn in Griffin Dunne's 1995 Oscar-naminated short, "The Duke of Groove." In it, Maguire deftly played a pop icon-populated party with his mother, during which the two learn truths about themselves and each other.
in 2007, Maguire suited up once again-presumably, for the last time-as everyone's favorite web-slinger in "spider-Man 3" (2007). Easily the most expensive and ambitious installment to date, "Spider-Man 3" reunited Maguire with co-stars Kirsten Dunst, Rosemary Harris and James Franco for one final adventure. Along for the ride this time out, were Oscar nominee Thomas Haden Church as the Villainous Sandman and Topher Grance as spidey's alien nemesis, Venom.
