Born on June 30, 1964, in Wyandotte, Michigan, he is an acclaimed American film director and producer known for his work in the comedy genre. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania and later attended the American Film Institute. His breakthrough came with "Freaky Friday" (2003), leading to successes like "Mean Girls" (2004) and "The Spiderwick Chronicles" (2008). His films often blend humor with heart, appealing to both teens and adults. He is the brother of screenwriter Daniel Waters.