An accomplished American director and actor, he was born on September 29, 1936, in Houston, Texas. He began his career in acting, appearing in various television shows during the 1960s. Transitioning to directing, he gained acclaim for his work on "The Muppet Movie" (1979), which became a beloved classic. Known for his versatility, he directed numerous TV series, including episodes of "Columbo" and "Magnum, P.I." His career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on both television and film.