Son of teachers Todd and Jean Spader. Attended Phillips Academy in Andover with director Peter Sellars; dropped out in eleventh grade. Bused tables, shoveled manure, and taught yoga before landing his first roles. Graduated from TV movies to Brat Pack Films, playing the bad guy. His performance in Sex, Lies, and Videotape (Best Actor, Cannes 1989) led to bigger and more varied roles.
Secretary (2002): $400,000 + gross points

Has two children: Sebastian and Elijah Greatly admires the work of Charles Laughton. Has two unsuccessful TV pilots, Diner and Starcrossed, to his credit. Is known to prefer being called "Jimmy". His wife, Victoria Spader, was the set decorator for Sex, Lies, and Videotape. Refuses to watch any of the movies he's appeared in. Born on the same date (7 February 1960) as SNL 25's "TV Fun House" writer/cartoonist Robert Smigel, best known as the voice of 'Triumph the insult comic dog' from Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Loves cooking and is an excellent chef. Has very poor eyesight, and cannot wear contact lenses. Has said that in roles in which he does not wear his eyeglasses, he can barely make out the face of the actor across from him in the scene. First performer to win Emmy's for portraying the same character (Alan Shore) on two different shows (The Practice and Boston Legal) without one of the Emmy wins being for guest actor/actress. Is quick to point out that, unlike the sleazy, slime ball characters he is best known for playing, he is actually a nice, friendly guy in real life. Good friends with actor Eric Stoltz. Is a huge Bob Dylan fan. Auditioned for the film Taps, but eventually lost the part to Sean Penn. He was working as a janitor at a rehearsal studio in Times Square when he landed his first feature film, Endless Love. His father died two weeks before he began production on Critical Care.