Was ranked #16 on Entertainment Weekly's '30 Under 30' the actors list. (2008).

Raised in Fairfield, Iowa

Brother of actor Jon Foster

For his role on 3:10 to Yuma (2007), he was trained by renowned Hollywood gun coach Thell Reed, who, in the past, has also trained such actors as Russell Crowe, Kurt Russell, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Sam Elliot, Girard Swan and Val Kilmer for Tombstone (1993).

Dropped out of high school his freshman year to move to Los Angeles.

Dated actress Kirsten Dunst [August 2000 - March 2001]

Was originally offered the part of Eddie O'Hare in The Door in the Floor (2004), but he thought he was too old for the role and gave up the role to younger brother, Jon Foster because he thought it was better suited for him.

Discovered by casting director Cecily Adams, who saw a homemade audition tape Foster had sent her from his home in Iowa. She called his parents and told them that, while she could make no guarantees, they should put him on a plane to Los Angeles immediately. They did so, and he landed the lead role in the pilot she was casting, "Flash Forward" (1996).

His favorite actress is Claire Danes, and his favorite actors are James Dean and Sean Penn.

Co-starred in two Marvel adaptations featuring Rebecca Romijn, The Punisher (2004) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).

Won second place in an international competition at the age of 12 for a play that he wrote and directed.

His favorite bands are R.E.M. and Dead Can Dance.

His favorite movie is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975).