Matt LeBlanc

Joseph Fran�ois Tribbiani on 'Friends'

After receiving his first motorcycle at age eight, Matt LeBlanc started participating in various amateur competitions with hopes of racing professionally. He soon ran into a roadblock --his mother-- forcing him to find a different outlet for his talents. He trained for a career in carpentry, but ultimately decided to become an actor.

After graduating from high school, LeBlanc set his sights on making a life for himself in New York City. By 1987, he had obtained parts in national television commercials for such products as Levi's 501 jeans, Coca-Cola and Doritos. He also appeared in a Heinz ketchup spot that won the prestigious Gold Lion Award at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival.

In 1988, LeBlanc started formal acting training. Within a year he landed a starring role on the television series 'TV 101' and relocated to Los Angeles. Since then his television credits have included starring roles on 'Top of the Heap' and 'Vinnie & Bobby' and in the movie 'Anything to Survive' (opposite Robert Conrad). He also guest-starred on 'Class of '96' and 'Married...with Children' and in the cable series 'Red Shoe Diaries,' and he starred in 'Reform School Girls,' the final installment of 'Rebel Highway,' a one-hour cable anthology series.

LeBlanc's feature film credits include a recent role in the movie 'Charlie's Angels'. He also played pilot Don West in the hit film 'Lost in Space,' New Line's big-screen version of the '60s television series. His other film credits include a starring role in the family comedy 'Ed' and roles in 'Lookin' Italian' and 'The Killing Box.'

In addition to acting, LeBlanc enjoys working on his own cars and motorcycles, which include a Pantera race car, and playing with his dogs. LeBlanc currently lives in Los Angeles. His birthday is July 25.

From NBC.com