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Now Starring In:
'Spider-Man 2'
Vitals:
Filmography, Photos and More
Five Fast Facts:
 Originally wanted to be a chef, but turned to acting after his mother offered him $100 to take drama rather than home ec in high school.
Dropped out of school in ninth grade but earned a GED.
Is a strict vegetarian who doesn't smoke or drink.
Tried his hand at producing with 2002's 'The 25th Hour.'
Currently dating Jennifer Meyers, daughter of Universal Studios chief Ron Meyers.
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STAR OF THE WEEK
Tobey Maguire's Five Wimpiest Roles
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In 'Spider-Man 2,' the summer's blockbuster to beat, Peter Parker's internal struggle is a central story line. In other words, kids: It's hard to be a superhero. In real life, Spidey star Tobey Maguire seems to struggle with the tough-guy role almost as much as the timid Peter Parker does.
Maybe that's because -- before transforming into his high-flying alter ego -- the yoga-practicing actor made a name for himself playing the sensitive, cerebral type. Not that there's anything wrong with that. In fact, five of our favorite Maguire roles (besides Parker/Spidey) also happen to be his wimpiest. Coincidence? We think not. And now, the countdown...
5. Homer Wells, 'The Cider House Rules' (1999)
"I've looked at so many women," the orphaned Homer confides to Charlize Theron's Candy. "I've seen everything, and felt nothing. But when I look at you, it hurts." Naïve, sensitive, moralistic, melodramatic -- Maguire revels in Homer's wimpiness.
4. David Wagner, 'Pleasantville' (1998)
This clean-cut, "Leave It to Beaver"-style teen finds himself right at home in the black-and-white world of his favorite '50s sitcom, where his rebellious twin sister's colorized ways serve to further underline his ordinariness. (Maguire reteamed with director Gary Ross in 2003's 'Seabiscuit,' in which he played a relatively un-wimpy boxer-turned-jockey.)
3. James Leer, 'Wonder Boys' (2000)
In a perfect world, intellectually curious, bookish types obsessed with vintage jackets might not be considered wimps. Alas, the world is imperfect.
2. Paul Hood, 'The Ice Storm' (1997)
Sixteen-year-old prep-school student Paul may be lovestruck and disaffected, but he's also the most puritanical member of his own family. Of course, considering the key-swapping parties his parents attend, that might not be saying much.
1. Voice of Lou the Beagle, 'Cats & Dogs' (2001)
No matter that this particular canine spearheads the eternal fight against cats (which are no match for dogs, anyway!) -- voicing a young beagle puppy is, and always will be, wimpy. And, yes, endearing.
- by Andy Comer
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