Grew up in Bayside in Queens, New York; family also owned apartment in Manhattan and beach house in Westhampton, Long Island

Worked in Warner Bros. mail room while a student at UCLA

Became assistant to director-producer Franklin Schaffner on "Papillon"

Began professional career as assistant to Mike Medavoy when he was president of production at UA (earning $117.80 per week)

Joined MGM as vice president, motion picture development

Became executive vice president, Jon Peters Organization

Joined Warner Bros. as vice president of production

Appointed senior vice president of production, Warner Bros.

Promoted to president, worldwide theatrical production

Appointed vice president, worldwide motion picture production, Warner Bros.

Named executive vice president, worldwide motion picture production, Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. announced Canton would leave the company by mutual agreement (September)

Appointed chairman of Columbia Pictures replacing Frank Price (October 4)

Resigned as chairman of Columbia Pictures (September 13)

Signed exclusive three-year production deal with Warner Bros.

Formed The Canton Co., an independent production company

Served as one of the producers of "Jack & Jill" (The WB)

Joined Artists Production Group (APG) as a partner; also served as chair and CEO