As the next Anakin Skywalker (and future Darth Vader) in Star Wars Episode II and III, the Toronto-based actor earned teen-hottie status and secured himself a place in sci-fi history when he was handpicked by George Lucas over more than 400 hopefuls (including Leonardo DiCaprio).

"I couldn't really come to terms with why he chose me, other than the fact that I look like the kid," Christensen, 20, says. "You just have to focus on the work and trust that he knew what he was doing. I recognize that it's a big deal, and there is a constant pressure that I won't live up to the expectation."

To avoid Mark Hamill-style stereotyping, the blue-eyed, clean-cut, big-grinned Christensen took on a darker role as Kevin Kline's estranged son in Life as a House immediately after filming Episode II--Attack of the Clones. To get into drug-addled character, Christensen dyed his blond hair black, painted his fingernails, wore blue eye shadow and shed 25 pounds on a water-vitamins-salad diet. The risk earned him a Golden Globes Best Supporting Actor nomination.

Considering his passion for the arts, it's hard to imagine Christensen once dreamed of playing professional hockey and (instead of wielding a light saber) developed his backhand well enough to score a college tennis scholarship. When he tagged along with his sister to meet with an agent, they were both signed, and he popped up in features like In The Mouth of Madness, Strike! and The Virgin Suicides.

But Christensen really started to get attention when he landed a regular role on the Fox series Higher Ground.

Two years later, he still hasn't come to terms with impending fame. After much resistance, he recently got an L.A. apartment and started a production company with his brother Tove. "People keep trying to prepare me for what's ahead, and I try to take it as it comes and be cool." --Carrie Bell