A young actor who has already displayed a sure hand at both comic and dramatic roles, Kevin Connolly is rapidly establishing himself as a talent on the rise.

Connolly currently stars in the HBO hit series "Entourage," gaining notice as "Eric," the best friend and manager to a young actor whose film career is in its heady first stages. The show was recently nominated for a Golden Globe? for "Best Television Series - Comedy."

Connolly was most recently seen on screen in "The Notebook" with Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. Directed by Nick Cassavetes, the big-screen adaptation of Nicholas Spark's bestselling novel featured an old fashioned romantic story of the struggles of a young couple trying to reconnect after being separated by circumstance. The film became a hit as it was quickly embraced by audiences and critics alike.

Additional feature film credits include "Alan & Naomi," "The Beverly Hillbillies," "Angus," "John Q" opposite Denzel Washington, "Antwone Fisher" directed by Denzel Washinton, and "Rocky V," with Sylvester Stallone.

Connolly became a familiar presence as 'Ryan,' part of the always struggling and challenged Maloy family in the comedy series, "Unhappily Ever After." In addition, he has also appeared in numerous episodic television shows and TV movies, among them recurring roles on "First Years" and "Great Scott!", guest-starring appearances on "Wings," and roles in the movies-of-the-week; "Kids Killing Kids" and "Up, Up and Away."

Connolly made his directorial debut with the 2003 short "Whatever We Do," starring Robert Downey Jr, Amanda Peet and Zooey Deschanel. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

--HBO