VISTA, Calif. (AP) — An actor who appeared in the comedy “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” is on trial for allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend 23 times at her home near San Diego.

Opening statements begin Monday in the trial of Shelley Malil, who is charged with attempted murder, burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. He could face life in prison if convicted.

The 45-year-old actor is accused of stabbing Kendra Beebe on Aug. 10, 2008, after he went to her San Marcos home and found her drinking wine with another man.

Beebe testified earlier that she and Malil dated for about a year until he became too possessive.

Malil played a co-worker, Haziz, to comedian Steve Carell’s title character in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and appeared in several TV shows. He also starred in Budweiser’s ‘What are YOU doing?” commercials.

© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.