Profile: Garrett Hedlund - Actor and Singer

Born in Minnesota in 1984 and raised on a beef cattle farm where he grew up playing several sports, Garrett Hedlund began taking private acting lessons when he and his mother moved to Arizona when Hedlund was 14. The young athlete and aspiring actor moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting as soon as he graduated from high school.

Garrett Hedlund - Achilles & Friday Night Lights

His first role in 2004 was a fairly major role in a big movie, "Troy," where he played Patroclus to Brad Pitt's Achilles. Hedlund brought an innocent exuberance to "Troy" that was believable and endearing. The same year he played Don Billingsley in the movie "Friday Night Lights" opposite Tim McGraw who played Hedlund's father.

Garrett Hedlund - Four Brothers & Eragon,

In 2005 Garrett Hedlund played the more intense and tragic character Jack Mercer in the movie "Four Brothers" opposite Mark Wahlberg. 2006 found him bringing the conflicted character of Murtagh to life in the fantasy movie "Eragon." Although the movie did not receive much critical acclaim, it did well at the box office, and many theater-goers were disappointed that Hedlund and the rest of the cast never filmed the rest of the "Eragon" saga.

Garrett Hedlund - Georgia Rule, Death Sentence & Tron Legacy

Since then Garrett Hedlund has appeared in movies like "Georgia Rule," "Death Sentence," and the highly-anticipated "Tron Legacy" where he plays Sam Flynn. However, I must admit the movie I am most looking forward to seeing Hedlund in is as a country singer in "Country Strong" where he stars as Beau Williams with Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Leighton Meester, and me!

Garrett Hedlund - Country Strong

OK, I admit it. I'm just an extra in "Country Strong," and I am not sure you will see my face, but I was in a huge audience scene shot at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville where Hedlund performs. From where I sat in the auditorium, it looked like Hedlund could play guitar, sing and play the piano, and from reading posts on "Country Strong" discussion boards, it appears some of his fans are upset only one of Hedlund's songs made it on the "Country Strong" soundtrack album.

Garrett Hedlund & Tim McGraw

I was also in a scene with Tim McGraw and Hedlund which was shot outside TPAC where 40 or 50 extras were in the wings screaming, getting autographs and taking pictures as Hedlund walked away from McGraw. In "Country Strong," Hedlund's character Beau Williams apparently has some sort of romantic relationship with Kelly Canter (Gwyneth Paltrow). McGraw plays Ed, the husband of Kelly Canter. So, Tim McGraw has played Hedlund's father in "Friday Night Lights" and his rival in "Country Strong," which is scheduled for a December 22, 2010 release.

Garrett Hedlund - On the Road & Captain America: The First Avenger

Garrett Hedlund will play Dean Moriarty in "On the Road" and according to Wikipedia, is one of several actors trying out for the role of Captain America in the upcoming film "Captain America: The First Avenger."

Garrett Hedlund - Intense & Versatile Actor

Whatever role he plays from football player or country singer to dragon-rider or tragic young man, Garrett Hedlund brings an intensity to the screen that brings his versatile characters to life.

Sources:

"Garrett Hedlund" - Wikipedia

"Garrett Hedlund" - IMDB

Country Strong AKA Love Don't Let Me Down

The Boys of Eragon: Where Are They Now? Edward Speleers, Garrett Hedlund, Chris Egan & Christopher Paolini

Tim McGraw & Gwyneth Paltrow film 'Love Don't Let Me Down' concert scene at Municipal Auditorium

'Country Strong' premieres in Nashville with Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw - photos

Personal Experience

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