Raised in Cumberland, Rhode Island

Worked as salesman for US Lines, Inc in Boston, Massachusetts

Tended bar in Boston

Moved to Los Angeles and began writing screenplays with Bennett Yellin; younger brother Bobby later joined the process

First writing credit (with Jerry and David Zucker and Yellin, among others), the NBC TV special "Our Planet Tonight"

Published first novel, "Outside Providence"

With brother Bobby, wrote two episodes for the NBC sitcom "Seinfeld"

Made feature directorial debut with "Dumb and Dumber"; co-scripted with Yellin and brother; film starred Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels

With brother Bobby, co-directed the feature comedy "Kingpin"; also co-wrote

Made third film, the summer hit "There's Something About Mary"; executive produced and co-directed with brother Bobby; reportedly, the brothers rescued the project from development hell and worked on the script with original writers Ed Decter and John J Strauss

Appeared in Brad Kane's feature directing debut, "Say You'll Be Mine", produced by Michael Corrente and filmed on location in Providence and NYC

Produced (with brother Bobby) "Outside Providence", based on his 1988 novel; adapted screenplay with brother and film's director Corrente; first time the brothers produced without directing

Produced, directed and scripted (sharing all responsibilities with brother) "Me, Myself and Irene", reteaming with Jim Carrey

Produced, Directed and Wrote with brother Bobby "Shallow Hal", which starred Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black

Worked again with brother Bobby on the animated film "Osmosis Jones"

Directed Greg Kinnear and Matt Damon as conjoined twins in "Stuck on You", also produced and wrote

Co-directed "Fever Pitch," based on a novel by Nick Hornby about british football adapted into a comedy about love and the Boston Red Soxs

Co-directed "Fever Pitch," based on a novel by Nick Hornby about british football adapted into a comedy about love and the Boston Red Soxs

Co-directed with brother Bobby a remake of "The Heartbreak Kid" starring Ben Stiller; also co-wrote