Jen Aniston Engaged But Who Is Justin Theroux?

Aug. 13, 2012— -- It looks like America's golden girl Jennifer Aniston may finally get her happy ever after. Aniston's rep told ABC News the 43-year-old star was engaged Friday to screenwriter and actor Justin Theroux.

Theroux popped the question on his 41st birthday Friday.

"Justin Theroux had an amazing birthday on Friday, receiving an extraordinary gift when his girlfriend, Jennifer Aniston, accepted his proposal of marriage," Theroux's rep told People magazine.

But who is Justin Theroux? The actor and screenwriter was basically unknown before hooking up with Aniston in May 2011. Here's some more background info on Aniston's latest man.

Family, Writing and Films

Theroux grew up in Washington, D.C., before going on to major in drama and visual arts at Bennington College in Vermont. He comes from an impressive line of famous writers. His mother, Phyllis Theroux, is a journalist and author. His uncle, Paul Theroux, is a famous travel writer. His uncles, Alexander and Peter Theroux, are also talented writers; Alexander is a poet and Peter is an author. His cousins, Louis and Marcel Theroux, are journalists and Marcel produces programming for BBC. As for Theroux's father, Eugene Theroux, he is not a writer, but still an accomplished lawyer.

Theroux has had a handful of small roles in major films, including "American Psycho," "Mulholland Drive" and "Miami Vice," although he's more likely to be cast as the bad guy than the heartthrob. Theroux played Drew Barrymore's evil ex in "Charlie's Angels Full Throttle" and the evil wizard Leezar in this year's "Your Highness." He's also had television roles including small parts in "Sex and the City," "Alias" and "Ally McBeal."

He guest starred in a number of "Parks and Recreation" episodes. In one episode, his love interest discussed Aniston's inability to find the right guy. Coincidence?

Also ironic, Theroux turned down a screen test for the "Friends" pilot.

"'Who wouldn't want to be a bazillionaire, but I don't really regret it," he told Entertainment Weekly in 2004.

But Theroux is more than just an actor. He is a well-known screenwriter, having co-wrote "Tropic Thunder," "Iron Man 2" and this summer's Rock of Ages. He directed the 2007 film "Dedication" and will reportedly direct, and co-write, "Zoolander 2." It is behind the camera where Theroux's passion truly lies.

"It's harder and takes so freaking long, but to me it's more satisfying," he told New York Magazine in February. "As a writer you're the architect; as a director you design the interior; as an actor you are nothing but the leg of a table."

Justin and Jen

Contrary to numerous reports, Aniston and Theroux did not meet on the set of their film "Wanderlust" which they filmed in Georgia in fall 2010. The actress told "Good Morning America" in February she has known Theroux for a long time. They reportedly met while Theroux was writing "Tropic Thunder," starring Ben Stiller, who is a mutual friend of the couple. But Aniston confirmed to GMA their hook up did not begin on set of "Wanderlust."

"Nothing happened on that movie," she said. "That's what is a rumor."

Aniston admitted he doesn't exactly have a bubbly, friendly personality like the "Friends" star.

"He's the most cold, icy, fishy kind of guy," she said. "I'm trying to warm him up."

SEE MORE: ANISTON BEFORE JUSTIN THEROUX

In June 2011, the couple went public at the MTV Movie Awards. Later that month a source told Us Weekly , Theroux was living in Aniston's Los Angeles home. Throughout 2011, the couple was constantly seen together including meeting each others' families and a trip to Hawaii. They were even spotted wearing matching gold rings with their names on them.

Dating Past