Born in Chicago in 1932, he was a prominent American film director known for his work in the action and crime genres. After studying at UCLA, he began his career as a script supervisor and assistant director, eventually making his directorial debut with "The Sergeant" in 1968. He gained recognition for films like "Rolling Thunder" and "Out for Justice," noted for their gritty realism and intense narratives. Throughout his career, he was celebrated for his ability to craft compelling, character-driven stories.