Edward Burns is an American actor, director, screenwriter, and producer, and a prominent figure in 1990s American independent cinema. He rose to prominence in 1995 with his debut film, *The Brothers McMullen*, which he wrote, directed, and starred in on a very low budget. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, launching his career. His filmography as a writer-director, which includes titles such as *She's the One* (1996) and *Sidewalks of New York* (2001), often focuses on the relationships and family dynamics of the Irish-American working class. Concurrently, Burns has developed a solid acting career in high-profile productions, playing significant roles. His most notable performances include his role as Private Richard Reiben in Steven Spielberg's *Saving Private Ryan* (1998) and roles in films such as *15 Minutes* (2001) and *The Holiday* (2006), demonstrating a consistent ability to balance personal works with Hollywood projects.