If you're familiar with NBC's hit soap Passions, you know what we're talking about. How could you not? After all, Timmy--the fiercely loyal, frequently put upon sidekick of resident witch Tabitha--may be small in size (three foot two, to be exact), but he's by far the biggest thing to hit daytime in years. And there would be no Timmy without the actor who plays him--Josh Ryan Evans.

The 19-year-old Hayward, California, native's short stature is the result of achondroplasia, a form of congenital dwarfism, but he has never let that keep him down. At 12, without his parents' knowledge, Josh created business cards bearing the simple message "Joshua Ryan Evans--kid," which he distributed to local performers, directors and producers. A Hollywood agent felt Josh's enthusiasm and perseverance and signed him.

Although he has been acting only a few years, Josh has already played some unique characters, including a child-prodigy lawyer on Ally McBeal, the young Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Tom Thumb in the A&E miniseries P.T. Barnum. But it is the role of Timmy, the doll who comes to life on Passions, that has earned Josh a Daytime Emmy nomination, a Soap Opera Digest Award for Best Scene Stealer and a Hollywood Young Star Award for Best Male in a Daytime Drama.

We know you're wondering how Josh got his big break, if he yearns to direct and if he eats anything other than Martimmys.

From christina: How did you get started in acting? Could you give me any advice?
I can't give you any magic answer about how to get into show business. It's so different for everybody. There's so much luck and being at the right place at the right time kind of stuff that goes into whether or not an actor even gets a chance to show what he or she can do. I will tell you two things. First, be prepared just in case luck comes your way. Practice your art and know your craft so you will be ready. And second, the most important thing I think is BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Don't let what other people think of you change the way you feel. If you don't believe in yourself, who will?

From seasugar: What is in your CD player right now?
I have no idea. I have been so busy at work and traveling I haven't touched my CD player for weeks. Thank you for reminding me. I love music, and I'm going to go listen to some right now--probably the new 'N Sync, Celebrity.

From kimmy143: Hey Josh!! I love Passions, but what is up next for you?
Who knows what the future will bring?! That's why life is so exciting! Passions has been keeping my days pretty full, and I enjoy my work, so I'll let the future take care of itself. For right now anyway.

From apauley98: I know about the Martimmys, but what does Timmy eat? What's his favorite food--and yours in real life?
Timmy only eats one meal a day. It starts when he wakes up and ends when he goes to bed. I love food, too! My favorite is salsa and my mom's home cooking.

From sassyfrass92683: What is it like behind the scenes of Passions, and what is it like working with Luis, Tabitha, Sheridan and Julian?
Working with our cast is the best part of my job. Luis [Galen Gering] and I don't work much together, but off set he jokes around a lot. He's a great guy. Too bad he's not very handsome. Sheridian, [McKenzie Westmore] is as sweet as she is beautiful. Julian [Ben Masters] I love working with. He's such a good actor. My hardest challenge when doing a scene with him is to keep from busting up. And last but definitely not least is Tabitha [Juliet Mills]. My costar is one of the most talented, nicest, loving people I have ever known. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to work with her.

From Ut_Oh: Do you have any dreams of Broadway, movies, directing? Also, is continuing your education in your future?
I have lots and lots of dreams. Yes, someday I hope to direct my own projects. I love my business and plan to do as much as I can fill one lifetime with.

From jamin747: I know you've already gotten to work with several top Hollywood folks, but who else would you love to work with?
This is a very long list. But the top of my wish list would have to be George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise and Robin Williams.

From rbelkell: Hi Josh! I loved you in The Grinch. What was it like on the set and what was it like working with Jim Carrey and Ron Howard?
Working with someone like Jim Carrey is indescribable. He's a genius. I have never seen anybody work as hard as he does. He would do anything if he thought it was good for the role. He was truly amazing. Working with Ron was a dream come true for me. I have been a huge fan for a long time. His movies are some of my all-time favorites. The best part was that he was a hero to me before I met him, and after I worked with him I admired him even more. It's nice when your heroes are better than you thought they could be.

From jay5: What are your favorite movies and TV shows?
My favorite movie has to be Star Wars. TV shows, I guess I'd have to say Ally McBeal, The Practice, Will & Grace and The West Wing.

From lasa23: You have a great laugh. Are you ticklish?
Would you believe me if I said no? Okay, you're right--I am ticklish but only in two spots, and I'm not telling where they are.

From passionlover123: What do you love most about acting?
I enjoy that there are no boundaries. It's a place where my imagination can run wild and, at the same time, entertain people and make them happy. It's also not bad that I can make a living from it.

From jesterjo: If you were not in the acting biz, what would you be doing?
Acting is not only what I do, it's what I am. I can't imagine spending my life doing anything else.

From yoyoyen: What have you been doing this summer? Any fun vacations?
I have been working almost every day. Soaps don't take time off like other shows do. So, if you're on a soap, it's kind of year-round work. I plan to take off around the Christmas holidays, but I don't know where yet.

From viv2: Why did you decide to use two first names--what do your friends call you?
The reason I use my full name--Josh Ryan Evans--is because to be an actor, you have to join the union and there was already a Josh Evans in the union. My given name is Joshua Ryan Evans, but I'm only called that by my parents--and usually only when I'm in trouble. My friends call me Josh.

From wonderwoman818: What do you wear--boxers or briefs?
Depends on my attitude and how I feel that day.

From sherpherdmom: If you were on Survivor, how long would you last, and what would your strategy be?
Maybe a day or two. That lifestyle is not for me. I'm more a creature of comfort.

From tessa9229: If you could be anyone else for a day, who would it be?
I can't imagine being someone else. I love my life, and I'm honored to have it.