Dwight Yoakam

Appeared in a small role in the action-comedy "Hollywood Homicide"

Played one of a trio menacing a woman and a child while searching for missing money in "Panic Room"

Served as a producer on the road picture-comedy "Waking Up in Reno", featuring Billy Bob Thornton

Feature directorial debut, "South of Heaven, West of Hell"; also co-wrote script

Had featured role in "The Newton Boys"

Breakthrough screen role, "Sling Blade", directed by Billy Bob Thornton

First leading role in a feature, "Painted Hero"

TV-movie acting debut, "Roswell" (Showtime)

Made feature acting debut in John Dahl's "Red Rock West"

Stage acting debut, "Southern Rapture", directed by Peter Fonda

Headlined own special "Dwight Yoakam in Concert" on The Nashville Network

TV acting debut, guest appearance on the short-lived series "P.S. I Luv You"; had played himself in the pilot for the series

Released debut album, "Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. Etc."

Released first recording, an EP titled "A Town SOuth of Bakersfield"; based on airplay in L.A., was signed by Reprise Records

Reportedly wrote his first song at age nine, "How Far Is Heaven", inspired by news coverage of the Vietnam War (date approximate)

Learned to play guitar at age six (date approximate)

Born in Kentucky

Moved to Nashville in the late 1970s; met Pete Anderson

Raised in Columbus, Ohio

While in high school, formed first bands

With Anderson, moved to L.A.