Colin the Model

At 19, Farrell does his first modeling shoot, taken in an abandoned Colgate plant in Sydney. But the fit actor claims he invests little effort in maintaining his physique – his methods for staying fit include laying off food and indulging in his beloved pints of Guinness. "I don't go to the gym or practice yoga," he tells In Style in 2002. "The closest thing I have to a nutritionist is the Carlsberg Beer Co. I just have the appetite of a pigeon."

October

His Big Two Minutes

Farrell hits the small screen in the first of seven episodes on the BBC series Ballykissangel. He lands the role quickly. "His audition ended in two minutes flat," Irish actor Victor Burke tells PEOPLE. But "a few weeks later, Colin rang me to say he'd got the job."

October 06

Breakthrough Role

Without having read the script for Tigerland, Farrell auditions and earns himself a callback and the part on charm alone. The movie kicks off Farrell's rapid ascent to stardom. In it, he plays Bozz, a rebellious soldier who helps his friends escape the army before they are sent off to Vietnam. Though the film grosses only $139,500, it wins Farrell acclaim and a professional relationship with director Joel Schumacher.

August 14

Going Western

American Outlaws premieres, with Farrell starring as Jesse James. What's an Irish guy doing playing an American bandit, Interview asks? "I have no idea," Farrell tells the magazine. "I thought, 'I got a chance to play Jesse James. I better take it.'"

June 17

More A-List Action

Minority Report premieres and Farrell shares the screen with Tom Cruise. According to PEOPLE, Farrell takes home $2.5 million for the movie.

April 03

Action!

Farrell plays a publicist in the line of a sniper's fire in Phone Booth with Katie Holmes. Following the success of Daredevil and Phone Booth, Farell scores his third No. 1 premiere with the release of S.W.A.T., costarring Samuel L. Jackson, L.L. Cool J and Michelle Rodriguez.

May 12

Making the List

Farrell nabs a spot on PEOPLE's 50 Most Beautiful issue, and films a well-publicized nude scene for the drama, A Home at the End of the World. But when the film is released, the scene is cut, causing a stir. "I don't think it was needed," Farrell tells EW. "Now with all the f----- press, it seems like a marketing ploy, because [people] will go to see what they're not going to see."