Moved to US

Raised in Birmingham, Alabama

Began career in mailroom of Universal Studios

Became a studio tour guide

Became a casting director

Assisted veteran TV producer William Sackheim on various projects

Served as associate producer of omnibus TV movie and unofficial pilot, "Night Gallery"; assistant director on Steven Spielberg-directed segment

TV directing debut with an episode of "The Senator" starring Hal Holbrook

TV-movie directing debut, "The Impatient Heart"

Feature co-directing debut (with Daniel Haller, Leon Benson, Robert Day and Joseph Sargent), "Sunshine Part II" (sequel to the 1973 TV-movie made up of episodes from the short-lived TV series)

Solo theatrical feature directing debut, "The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings"

Directed the blockbuster, "Saturday Night Fever"

Directed two of the highest grossing films of the summer season, "War Games" and "Blue Thunder"

First film as producer (also director), "Stakeout"

Formed the Badham/Cohen Group with Rob Cohen