James L. Brooks biography

Synopsis

James L. Brooks is an American director, producer and screenwriter. Brooks began his career in news, writing documentaries for CBS in the 1960s. He and collaborator Allan Burns soon turned to writing comedy series, starting with The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He went on to produce Terms of Endearment, receiving two Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director. He also produced the cartoon The Simpsons.

Film and Television Career

Director, producer and screenwriter James L. Brooks was born on May 9, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a Jewish family, Brooks began his career in news, writing documentaries for CBS in the 1960s. He and collaborator Allan Burns soon turned to writing comedy series, starting with The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which was both a critical and commercial hit. The duo turned out some of the most memorable television series of the 1970s and 1980s, including Rhoda, Taxi and Lou Grant.

In 1978, Brooks expanded his sights to include feature films, debuting as writer and co-producer of Starting Over. In 1984, he wrote, produced and directed Terms of Endearment starring Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger and Jack Nicholson. The film received five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Brooks soon began producing films and television shows with his own company, Gracie Films, including such successes as Jerry Maguire, As Good As It Gets and the long-running cartoon The Simpsons.