Nationality: American
Birthdate: 02/23/1899
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Death Date: 04/07/1981
Archetypal "contract," studio director who entered films as an actor, began making comedy shorts, and moved up to features in 1929. Working most often for MGM and Paramount, Taurog specialized in comedies and other light entertainments, though he made several dramas as well, such as "The Beginning or the End" (1947), about the birth of the atomic bomb. By the mid-50s, he began directing formula vehicles for box-office stars such as Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and Elvis Presley.
1912
Stage acting debut, "The Good Little Devil" (with Mary Pickford)
1917
Film acting debut at IMP Studios, New York
Moved to Hollywood; worked in film production as property boy
Film directing debut of two-reel comedies
1929
Co-directed first feature film, "Lucky Boy"
