[fsloth]

I think I'm one.

I don't think starting early or on your own is a requirement. Like in any field, intrinsic motivation is what counts (IMO).

I started programming in university at... um... 19? As a part of a physics degree. And fell totally in love with it. 20 years later I'm doing it for living and the love really hasn't faded.

Computer graphics is a demanding mistress, you really need to understand why programs and computers work.

Based on my experiences I would consider myself a pretty OK programmer.