Joe Manganiello's natural talent and drive helped him emerge as one of the breakout stars of HBO's gripping vampire saga "True Blood" (2008-2014), playing the half-human, half-werewolf, Alcide. Prior to landing a lead role on the series, Manganiello began his acting career with a featured film role in the action-packed film "Spider-Man" (2002) as Flash Thompson, Peter Parker's archenemy. Guest appearances on crime dramas and sitcoms kept Manganiello busy during his early career, which included recurring roles on "How I Met Your Mother" (CBS, 2005-2014) and NBC's "ER" (1994-2009). Playing Sophia Bush's love interest on the teen soap "One Tree Hill" (The CW, 2003-2012) pushed the actor into heartthrob territory, and gave him a head start on his career-defining role on "True Blood." On the popular show, he gave the shape-shifting Alcide the emotional complexity required to explore his unlikely rise from a pensive werewolf to a leader, and carved out the potential for a successful career filled with many more intense and exciting roles. His appearance in Steven Soderbergh's "Magic Mike" brought his rugged good looks and stunning physique to an even greater audience, making him a regular on "Sexiest Men In Hollywood" lists.