While at Brigham Young University, Eckhart appeared in the Mormon-themed film "Godly Sorrow", and the role marked his professional debut. At this time he met director/writer Neil LaBute, who cast him in several of his own original plays. After graduating from BYU, Eckhart moved to New York City, acquired an agent, and took various occasional jobs, including bartending, bus driving, and construction work. His first television roles were in commercials. In 1994, he appeared as an extra on the television drama series "Beverly Hills, 90210". Eckhart followed this small part with roles in documentary re-enactments ("Ancient Secrets of the Bible: Samson"), made-for-television movies, and short-lived programs like "Aliens in the Family".