Born in Wisconsin

Raised in the Berkeley, California, area, where his father taught psychology

While at Harvard, staged first production of classmate Arthur Kopit's play "Oh Dad, Poor, Dad, Mama's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feeling So Sad"

Began career as assistant to Robert Saudek on the Ford Foundation's "Omnibus" TV series

Graduated to associate producer and director on "Profiles in Courage" series, executive produced by Saudek

Worked as a TV director in the late 1960s on series including "Felony Squad", "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.", "The Big Valley" and "Dr. Kildare"

Helmed the pilot for the NBC series "The Outsider"

First feature film as director, "Downhill Racer", starring Robert Redford as a champion ski racer

Reteamed with Redford as director of the politically-themed comedy-drama "The Candidate"

First film as producer, "Smile", an underrated satirical look at beauty pageants; also directed

Enjoyed a box-office hit with the comedy "The Bad News Bears", about an inept Little League team

Directed the enjoyable and successful football-themed movie "Semi-Tough"

Helmed the inevitable sequel, "The Bad News Bears Go to Japan"

Produced and directed the feature film "Divine Madness", adapted from Bette Midler's highly successful concert tour

Directed the comedy "The Survivors"

Helmed the film adaptation of the popular detective novel "Fletch"; first of four films with Chevy Chase

Returned to sports-themed comedy with "Wildcats", about a female coaching a football squad

Directed the Eddie Murphy vehicle "The Golden Child"

Reunited with comic actor Chevy Chase for "The Couch Trip"

Helmed the disappointing sequel "Fletch Lives", starring Chase

Played a small role as a night watchman in John Landis's feature, "Innocent Blood"

Returned to the small screen to direct the acclaimed, award-winning HBO movie "The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom"

Last feature with Chevy Chase, "Cops & Robbersons"

Once again returned to sports-themes with "The Scout", about a professional baseball scout who discovers a talented young pitcher

Last directorial effort, "A Simple Wish"

Directed the unsold pilot "Comfort, Texas"

Helmed episodes of Showtime's "Beggars and Choosers", a behind-the-scenes look at the running of a TV network

Final released film, an adaptation of the long-running Off-Broadway musical "The Fantasticks" (filmed in 1995); also produced

Final TV work, directed episodes of the short-lived NBC series "Deadline"