An American film director and screenwriter, he was born in New York City to Albanian immigrant parents. He studied at Cooper Union and the City College of New York. He initially gained recognition in advertising, creating iconic campaigns such as the "I Love New York" slogan. Transitioning to film, he directed comedies like "Love at First Bite" and "Mr. Mom," which became cult classics. His work is noted for its humor and unique style, contributing significantly to 1980s American cinema.