Born in New York City, he began his career in the advertising industry, working for United Artists Records. Transitioning to film, he made his directorial debut with "Pretty in Pink" in 1986, a collaboration with John Hughes, which became a classic teen film. He continued to work with Hughes on "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "The Great Outdoors." His career spans film and television, directing episodes for shows like "Glee" and "American Horror Story," showcasing his versatility and enduring impact on entertainment.