Michael Pitt

Though he was on the precipice of becoming just another teen idol, thanks to his recurring role of high school football player Henry Parker on "Dawson's Creek" (The WB, 1998-2003), actor Michael Pitt turned instead to gritty performances in independent movies like "Hedwig and the Angry Itch" (2001) and "Bully" (2002). Because of his eye-catching roles in those two films, Pitt was able to breakthrough into studio fare like "Murder by Numbers" (2002) and "The Village" (2004). Not wanting to be trapped in unchallenging parts, the actor continued to expand his range in the indie world with turns as a reclusive man who descends into madness in "Rhinoceros Eyes" (2003) and as a troubled rock star modeled after Kurt Cobain in Gus Van Sant's "Last Days" (2005). Following major roles in the showbiz satire "Delirious" (2006), the heartbreaking romantic drama "Silk" (2007), and Michael Haneke's shot-for-shot remake of his thriller "Funny Games" (2008), the versatile Pitt became a series regular on the acclaimed television drama, "Boardwalk Empire" (HBO, 2010-14), which only underscored the young actor's wide-ranging talents and appeal.