Judd Apatow

Took a serious turn with the dramady, "Funny People"; wrote, directed and produced the film that stars Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and wife Leslie Mann

Co-wrote and co-produced the comedy "Pineapple Express"

Co-wrote the music and lyrics for "Walk Hard" from the film, "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story"; earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song for a Motion Picture and a Grammy nomination for Best Song

Helmed the comedy "Knocked Up" about an insensitive slacker who impregnates a girl after a one-night stand

Produced the film "Superbad," which was co-penned by frequent collaborator, Seth Rogen

Made directorial debut with the comedy "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" starring Steve Carell; also co-wrote the film with Steve Carell

Produced "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" starring Will Ferrell; also cast in a small role

With Feig, created the Fox series "Undeclared," about freshmen college students; also served as executive producer

Served as executive producer of the NBC drama "Freaks and Geeks"; initial collaboration with Paul Feig

First solo screenwriting credit, "Celtic Pride"; also executive produced

Sued Writers Guild of America for writing credit on "The Cable Guy"; also served as a producer; suit later withdrawn

First film as executive producer and co-screenwriter, "Heavyweights"; also played bit part

Produced and wrote for the animated series "The Critic" (Fox)

Wrote for the annual telecast of the Grammy Awards

Created, produced, wrote for and appeared in "The Ben Stiller Show" (Fox); won Emmy for writing

First film as associate producer, "Crossing the Bridge"

Series debut as writer and consulting producer, "The Larry Sanders Show" (HBO)

TV debut as writer, "Tom Arnold: The Naked Truth" (HBO)

TV debut as performer, "Comic Strip Live" (Fox)

Made debut as stand-up comic in Long Island

At age 16, worked as a dishwasher at the Eastside Comedy Club in Huntington, New York (date approximate)

Hosted own radio show at his high school; interviewed such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno and Martin Short

Formed Apatow Productions; signed two-year, first look deal with New Line

Raised near Syosset, NY

Worked as a joke writer for both Roseanne and Tom Arnold, as well as Jim Carrey