Taught literature at CCNY

Contributed articles and criticism to HARPER'S, ESQUIRE, and COMMENTARY magazines; was sports columnist for LIFESTYLE magazine and film critic for DISSENT

Began friendship with Norman Mailer, based on an essay he published on the author in COMMENTARY, which Mailer found alert and well argued

First screenplay, "The Gambler"

Directorial debut, "Fingers"; also scripted

First film as producer, "Love and Money"; also wrote and directed; legendary director King Vidor appeared as Ray Sharkey's senile grandfather

First film appearance, portraying a professor in "Exposed"; also produced, wrote and directed

First collaboration with Robert Downey Jr, directing him in "The Pick-up Artist"

Directed fascinating documentary "The Big Bang", posing philosphical questions to a variety of people ranging from basketbal player Darryl Dawkins to producer Don Simpson

Played the part of a professor in Woody Allen's "Alice"

Received Oscar nomination for his "Bugsy" screenplay

Script for "Vicky", about early American feminist Victoria Woodhull (1838-1927), made MOVIELINE's list of 10 Best Unproduced Screenplays

Made cameo appearance in "Cassanova Falling" (filmed 1997), produced by Michael Mailer (Norman's son)

Reteamed with Robert Downey Jr for "Two Girls and a Guy", his first directing project since "The Big Bang"

Helmed "Black and White", an improvisational comedy featuring Downey and Brooke Shields

Realized a dream project, directing "Harvard Man"