Born in Toronto, Canada, he is a prominent film and television director known for his diverse body of work. He gained recognition with the Australian film "Wake in Fright" (1971), a psychological thriller that became a cult classic. He also directed the influential action film "First Blood" (1982), introducing the iconic character John Rambo. His career spans various genres, including comedy, with films like "Weekend at Bernie's" (1989). Throughout his career, he has been celebrated for his storytelling and cinematic versatility.