He was the second choice for the role of Russell in Almost Famous (2000). The first choice, Brad Pitt decided instead to appear in the more financially successful film Fight Club (1999).

Won Outer Critics Circle award for outstanding newcomer for his work on the New York stage-Arcadia and Bus Stop.

Was "replaced" by actor Michael Hayden in the Lincoln Center Theatre production of "Henry IV". [2003]

Graduated from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill with a degree in Speech Communication.

Attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergraduate work.

Once worked as an historical interpreter at Roanoke Island Festival Park, in Manteo, NC.

While attending the University of North Carolina, he starred in a student-produced, university access-channel TV soap opera called General College.

His parents divorced when Billy was in junior high school, and then remarried -- each other -- when he was in high school.

In 2005, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Play at the Tony Awards for his part in Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman.

Is dating actress Claire Danes. [2004]

In 1998, he joined a theatre group called, "The Lab!" at UNC Chapel Hill and performed the role of 'Schroeder' in the musical "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown!".

Declined an offer to play Bruce Banner in Hulk (2003).

In 2007, he won a Tony award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in "The Road to Utopia".

Was in the "Boy Scouts of America" while growing up in Texas.

Has been the voice of the acclaimed MasterCard "Priceless" commercials (airing in America) since 1997, but first appeared on-camera in one of these spots in 2005.

Was nominated for Broadway's 2002 Tony Award as Best Actor (Play) for portraying the title character of John Merrick in a revival of "The Elephant Man."

Nominated for the 1997 drama desk award for outstanding featured actor in a play for Anton Chekhov's "Three Sisters.".

Has a son named William Atticus, with actress Mary-Louise Parker.

Loves to play golf, and often partners director Bart Freundlich.

Won the Theatre World Award for his role in Arcadia.

Grew up in Dallas, Texas, and has two brothers.

Has a Master's in Fine Arts.

Attended St. Thomas Aquinas HS in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Though it is commonly mispronounced, his last name is actually pronounced, "croo-dup.".

MFA in Acting - New York University, Tisch School of the Arts (1994).

He is able to turn down many jobs, because he makes millions of dollars each year using his voice to sell products as a 'voice over actor'.

Brother is a publicist.