Was an outstanding high-school quarterback in Texas.
Studied classical piano at the Juilliard School.
Got started in stand-up comedy in 1989 when a girlfriend prodded him to perform at an L.A. comedy club.
For his Oscar-winning performance as Ray Charles, he lost 30 pounds, attended Braille classes and wore a prosthetic device over his eyes during filming.
In 2005, became the first person to be nominated for three acting awards at the Golden Globes in the same year, for his performances in Ray, Collateral and Redemption.