Through patience, determination and talent, actor Rick Schroder defied the odds by successfully making the transition from beloved child star to respected adult performer. After plucking the heartstrings of America opposite Jon Voight in the boxing melodrama "The Champ" (1979), the toe-headed tyke cemented his place in pop culture as the endearing Ricky Stratton on the television sitcom "Silver Spoons" (NBC, 1982-87). In the case of a blessing becoming a curse, a young Schroder found himself in danger of not being allowed to move beyond his adorable roots, finding his career stalled like all too many child stars on the cusp of adulthood. That is until he more than held his own alongside the likes of Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones in the acclaimed Western miniseries "Lonesome Dove" (CBS, 1989). A small turn in the blockbuster "Crimson Tide" (1995) further established his adult actor bona fides prior to landing the co-lead on "NYPD Blue" (ABC, 1993-2005) during its sixth season. After his stint on the Steven Bochco drama, the actor ventured behind the camera to write and direct the drama "Black Cloud" (2004). Now fully accepted as a romantic lead or a man of action, Schroder continued to be seen as such on programs like "Strong Medicine" (Lifetime, 2000-06) and "24" (Fox, 2001-2010). Although the days of "The Champ" and little Ricky Stratton were far behind him, as an actor, writer and director, Schroder more than proved as mettle as an appealing leading man of the small screen.