Matt Le Blanc.

Entertainment Weekly once lauded Matt LeBlanc as “a rarity – a hunk with a gift for deadpan comedy,” for his role as one of America’s favorite “Friends.” However, LeBlanc might never have detoured to acting if his mother, fearing for his safety, had not encouraged him to pursue something other than professional motorcycle racing.

After receiving his first motorcycle at age 8, LeBlanc participated in various amateur races and later, even trained for a career in carpentry before ultimately deciding to become an actor.

After graduating from high school, LeBlanc set his sights on living in New York City. By 1987, he had obtained parts in national television commercials for such high-profile 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 began 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 include 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.”

LeBlanc most recently appeared on the big screen in the 2000 blockbuster “Charlie’s Angels,” an update of the 1970s television series opposite Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu. His other feature-film credits include starring roles in “Lost in Space” and “Ed.” LeBlanc can be seen alongside Eddie Izzard in the upcoming war comedy “All the Queen’s Men.”

LeBlanc was recently honored for his contribution to the world of entertainment by the National Italian-American Foundation in Washington, D.C.

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