One of television's most outstanding and successful writer-producers. He is also one of the few who have become highly successful screenwriters and directors of feature films. Born in Brooklyn, New York, U.S. 9 May 1940. Attended New York University, New York City, 1958-60. Married (1) Marianne Katherine Morrissey, July 7, 1964 (divorced), children: Amy Lorriane; (2) Holly Beth Holmberg. Began career at CBS television Sports division. Moved to Los Angeles 1966 to work as writer-producer for David Wolper Productions. Began television career as co-creator, with Alan Burns, of Room 222; writer-producer for MTM Productions where he participated with outstanding writing producing teams in creating The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda, Lou Grant, and other series; co-creator of TAXI and The Associates. Founded own production company, Gracie Films, 1984. Film writer, producer and director of Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News, Big, and others.