Screenwriter of such films as "Armageddon," "Forever Young," and "Regarding Henry," J.J. Abrams made his first foray into television with Imagine Television and Touchstone Television's acclaimed series "Felicity," entering its fourth season. In addition to being the show's co-creator and executive producer, Abrams co-wrote the theme song and made his directorial debut with a two-part episode in the series' first season. On his new series "Alias," Abrams serves as creator and executive producer, and composed the series' theme music. In addition, he wrote and directed the pilot.

Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Abrams developed a passion for movies at the age of eight when his grandfather took him on the Universal Studios Tour. That night, J.J. asked his father if he could use his Super 8mm camera to make his own films and, after much cajoling, his father conceded.

Over the next 10 years, Abrams made countless amateur films, which he entered in various student film festivals, winning a number of awards. It was through these festivals that, at age 13, Abrams met Matt Reeves, his collaborator on "Felicity."

Abrams attended Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York where, during his senior year, he teamed with a friend to write a feature film treatment. Purchased by Touchstone Pictures, the treatment was the basis for "Taking Care of Business," Abrams' first produced film, which starred Charles Grodin and James Belushi. He followed that up with "Regarding Henry" starring Harrison Ford and "Forever Young" starring Mel Gibson. Abrams then collaborated with producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay on the summer 1998 blockbuster "Armageddon."

His feature producing credits include "The Pallbearer," directed by Reeves, and the independent film "The Suburbans" with Jennifer Love Hewitt. He has also appeared on screen as an actor in "Six Degrees of Separation" and "Diabolique." He continues to balance both film and television. His 2001 filmic release is "Joy Ride", which Abrams co-wrote and produced for Twentieth Century Fox, directed by John Dahl.

Abrams, his wife and their two young children divide their time between Los Angeles and Maine.

Credit: allalias.com