Born in Texas, Church began his show business career in front of a microphone instead of a camera, first as a radio deejay and then as a voice-over announcer. After landing a role in the independent film, Stolen Moments, Church moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.

Says he had pretty much retired from acting and was spending most of his time on his ranch in Texas when Alexander Payne asked him to star in Sideways (2004).Invited to join AMPAS in 2005.Graduated from high school in 1979 in Harlingen, Texas, and worked at KBFM, a local radio station, for a time.At director Sam Raimi's request, Church worked out in a gym for more than six months and put on more than ten pounds of muscle to play the lead villain Flint Marko/Sandman in Spider-Man 3 (2007).His breakthrough was Sideways (2004), which led to a role in Spider-Man 3 (2007).In the last episode of "Ned and Stacey" (1995), he said that he intended to spend the next time on a farm in Texas -- which he did in real life.Engaged to actress Mia Zottoli. They have a daughter, Cody (b. 2004).Turned down the role, which eventually went to Greg Kinnear, in Little Miss Sunshine (2006), a decision he later regretted.Director Sam Raimi thanked him for doing Spider-Man 3 (2007) by giving him a copy of Amazing Spiderman #4, the comic book issue that featured the first appearance of his Sandman character.Began working on a cattle ranch at age 13.Won the Emmy Award for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie: for his role of Tom Harte on AMC's "Broken Trail" (2006).Raised in Laredo, Texas, he graduated from Harlingen High School, Harlingen, Texas in 1979 and attended the University of North Texas.Was born Thomas McMillen, the third of six children, in El Paso, Texas to an Army officer/health care worker father and homemaker mother. He was raised, however, under his stepfather's surname, "Quesada", and later changed his surname to "Haden Church," both names of which he states are in his family tree.