Born in Providence, Rhode Island

Raised in Cleveland, Ohio

Screenwriting debut, "Steelyard Blues"

First successful film as screenwriter, "The Sting"; won Oscar for Best Original Screenplay

Feature directing debut "Cannery Row"; also scripted

Co-wrote the screen adaptation of "The Milagro Beanfield War"

Enjoyed hit as writer-director of the sports comedy "Major League"

Wrote and directed the controversial sports film "The Program" about a college football team; one scene where the team members lie down in moving traffic created a stir when young men emulated it

Contributed to the script for Nora Ephron's "Sleepless in Seattle"; shared Academy Award nomination

Producing debut, "Major League II"; also scripted

Stumbled with the lame comedy "Down Periscope"