Irish actor Stuart Townsend began his career the way so many actors do: on the stage. He made his professional stage debut in 1994, and his film debut in the 1996 film Trojan Eddie. The films Shooting Fish, Under the Skin, Resurrection Man, Simon Magus, Wonderland, The Venice Project, Mauvaisse passe and About Adam followed, and in 2002 he landed a starring role in Queen of the Damned as Lestat – a role that introduced him to most North American audiences. Other notable films featuring Townsend include Trapped, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The Best Man, and Aeon Flux. He’s also starred in the TV series Night Stalker and XIII. Stuart Townsend turns 40 today.