Grew up in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, NY

Wrote monologues for other actors while pursuing his own acting career

Formed a comedy team

Screenwriting debut, "Rude Awakening" a comedy about the culture clash between 1960s counterculture and 80s materialism; co-wrote with Neil Levy

First solo screenwriting credit, "The Fisher King" directed by Terry Gilliam; garnered an Academy Award nomination

Collaborated with his sister-in-law Marie Weiss in writing the screenplay for "The Ref"; first producing credit

While under contract to Disney, wrote the screenplay for "A Little Princess"

Adapted the James Waller's bestseller "The Bridges of Madison County"

Feature directorial debut with "Living Out Loud"

At request of star Julia Roberts, did uncredited rewrite work on "Erin Brockovich"

Wrote and directed "Freedom Writers" starring Hilary Swank

Directed "P.S. I Love You"; re-teamed him with actress Hilary Swank