Joseph Leonard Gordon-Levitt (born February 17, 1981) is an American actor whose career as both a child and adult has included television series and theatrical films. He is known for his roles in the 2009 indie (500) Days of Summer (for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination) and the 2010 sci-fi film Inception, and for starring in the 2011 drama 50/50. Beginning in commercials as a young child, he made his film debut in 1992′s Beethoven. Gordon-Levitt subsequently co-starred in the television sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001) as the young Tommy Solomon. After a hiatus during which he attended Columbia University, Gordon-Levitt left television for film acting, appearing in various independent films, beginning with the 2001 film Manic, followed by critically acclaimed performances in 2004′s Mysterious Skin, 2005′s Brick, and 2007′s The Lookout. He runs an online collaborative production company titled HitRECord.

Chosen as one of Teen People Magazine’s “21 Hottest Stars Under 21″ [1999]
Plays the guitar and the drums.
Auditioned for the role of “Elder Aaron Davis” in Latter Days (2003) before winning the role of “Elder Paul Ryder.”
His maternal grandfather was Michael Gordon, who directed such films as Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) and Pillow Talk (1959). Gordon’s career was crippled when he was blacklisted during the Red Scare of the mid-Twentieth Century.
After spending six seasons on 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996) (TV), he attended New York City’s Columbia University, majoring in French, but did not graduate. Columbia was the only school to which he applied.
His parents are Jane Gordon and Dennis Levitt, who met as activists in California. Gordon ran for Congress in 1970.
Among his favorite actors are Gena Rowlands and Warren Oates.
Appeared in a preschool production of “Wizard of Oz”.
Among his favorite movies are Dumbo (1941) and Vérités et mensonges (1973).
Is good friends with his Mysterious Skin (2004) co-star, Michelle Trachtenberg.
Was ranked #6 on Entertainment Weekly’s ’30 Under 30′ the actors list. (2008).
Had an older brother, Daniel Levitt (1974) who passed away in October 2010.
Gordon-Levitt was nominated for a 2009 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event with his fellow producers of the Broadway show “Slava’s Snowshow.”.
Took over James Franco’s planned role in Inception (2010) when Franco had to drop out.