NEW: My Most Ambitious Project EVER.

One of America's most gifted actors is daring to transform himself into one of America's most gifted thinkers.

Four years ago, I was on the brink of stardom in a field I'd given half of my life to—until Fate intervened.

At first I was a shy, geeky Army brat. In time, however, I went on to earn my MFA from Ame…