Began reading aged three; taught self piano aged 12, became a jazz aficionado

Performed (with The Vocal Group), floor managed and assistant directed at local Philadelphia TV station (WCAU); graduated to director within one year

Moved to Europe as roving newspaper reporter; supported himself as jazz pianist in Europe and North Africa

Moved to Great Britain; wrote TV musical "Curtains for Harry" (broadcast by Associated Rediffusion); had own short-lived TV show, "The Dick Lester Show"; directed "Downbeat," a series of jazz programs for Associated Rediffusion

After marriage, left England, worked in TV in Canada and then Australia; after about a year returned to England and began collaborating (directing, co-writing) with Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan on TV series "Idiot's Weekly, Price Twopence," "A Show Called Fred" and "Son of Fred"

Short film directing debut (also actor), "The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film"

Feature directing debut, "It's Trad, Dad/Ring-a-Ding Rhythm"

US feature directing debut, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

Began directing TV commercials in Europe