By Matthew May.

Not too many actors can boast a 26 year career, and that’s not even including theatre work prior to television appearances, at the age of 32, but one person who can is Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Its easy for people to simply write off child stars and assume that somewhere along the way they’ll make too many wrong decisions and end up in the less glamorous sections of magazines yet Gordon-Levitt, child star in 3rd Rock from the Sun in 1996, has somewhat broken the mould. Born in Los Angeles, California, he was part of a musical theatre group at a mere 4 years old and appearing on television by the age of 6. Two years prior to his first appearance in 3rd Rock from the Sun he also appeared in the Disney film Angels in the Outfield, it would appear this young man was destined for great things and in 1999 he landed a role alongside fellow fresh faced young stars Heath Ledger and Julia Styles in 10 things I hate about you, aged 18.

In 2000 Gordon-Levitt decided to take time out from acting to pursue studies in History, Literature and French Poetry, yet returned to acting in 2004 and hasn’t looked back since. Reeling off a few films he’s been in since his return to acting only goes to show how correct his decision to continue his career was; 500 Days of Summer, Inception, Lincoln, Mysterious Skin and The Dark Knight Rises. To be cast in one Christopher Nolan film is an honour but to be in two is an incredible tribute to a fantastic and constantly growing career. If an increasingly impressive acting career isn’t enough then there is always producing, directing and screenwriting, something Gordon-Levitt has now ventured in to making his directing debut with the short film Sparks and continuing the trend with his latest film; Don Jon, which also stars Scarlett-Johansson and was received well at the Sundance film festival.

A private man, the Golden Globe nominee for his part in Rolling Stone, shies away from the typical ‘celebrity lifestyle’, something he has always done throughout his fledging career, even stating that he “hates celebrity” in reference to that way of life. A feminist, the star of Lincoln has spoken about sexism in Hollywood in the past and how his mother was part of the feminist movement in the 60’s and 70’s and certainly conducts himself in a moral and gentlemanly manner from what we have seen.

I was recently left somewhat looking up to the guy who, to me, came across as a role model after I watched a recent interview and it would certainly appear that the 32 year old is a long way from stopping and as he continues to display exceptional acting skills as well as brilliant choices in terms of which roles he chooses to take on whilst also embarking on an exciting and promising directing career it would appear that this once child-star, still so relatively young but with 26 years of acting experience behind him is achieving the greatness he appeared to be destined for all those years ago. Once again, this is simply my opinion so let me know yours @mattmay89 and as I read this back I am well aware there is a serious #ManCrush vibe!