Merchant Seaman during World War II (spent two weeks in lifeboat after ship was sunk)

With father, purchased armory in Des Plaines, IL and started a film studio

Closed studio and began working as cameraman

Worked as cameraman and later cinematographer on industrial and educational films

First film as director of photography (uncredited), "Stakeout on Dope Street"

First on-screen credit for cinematography, "Five Bold Women"

Co-produced (with John Calley) Tony Richardson's "The Loved One" (also director of photography)

Documentary directing and screenwriting debut, "The Bus" (also producer; director of photography)

Feature film writing and directing debut (also director of photography; producer), "Medium Cool"

First film appearance in "Underground" (documentary)

Co-founded with Conrad L Hall, Wexler-Hall, Inc., a TV commercial production company, in mid-1970s

Received Star No. 2062 on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (February 28)

Earned Emmy nomination for lensing of the HBO movie "61*"