Joined writing staff of ABC sitcom "Laverne & Shirley" at age 21

Worked as as stand-up comedian

Had several plays produced in and around the Los Angeles area

Wrote comic material for performers, such as Garry Shandling

Hired as a writer on "It's Garry Shandling's Show" (Showtime) for three seasons; also served as executive story editor

First collaboration with Chris Matheson, co-wrote screenplay for blockbuster teen comedy "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure"; also made cameo appearance as a waiter

Co-wrote (with Matheson) the sequel "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey"; also acted and served as associate producer with Matheson

Scripted and co-produced the poorly received "Leaving Normal"; directed by Edward Zwick

Wrote screenplay for "Super Mario Bros," based on the video game of the same name

Penned the smash hit movie "Men in Black," based on the Malibu comic book series

Formed Infinite Monkeys, a production company; partnered with producer Edward Lynn

Co-wrote the screenplay for Shandling's big-screen bomb "What Planet Are You From"?

Did uncredited work on the script for "X-Men"

Co-scripted the feature film version of "Charlie's Angels"; directed by McG and co-starring Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu and Cameron Diaz

Made feature directing debut with "Levity"; also wrote and produced

Penned the remake of "The In-Laws," starring Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks

Wrote and produced the comedy film "Imagine That" with Eddie Murphy