Biography
He landed work in regional theater and as a voice-over artist for radio and TV commercials before turning to writing. When his sister Susan died of complications from diabetes, he was inspired to write his first play, "Steel Magnolias". The effort impressed Kyle Renick at the off-off-Broadway WPA Theater enough to produce it where it received strong notices and transferred to a healthy off-Broadway run. Producer Ray Stark purchased the screen …
Career Milestones
| Family moved to Natchitoches, LA when he was 12 | ||
| Moved to Natchitoches, LA with family in his teens | ||
| Worked his way through law school at Tulane University by singing with a big band, Jubiliation, and acting in local theater | ||
1985 | After death of his sister Susan of complications from diabetes, wrote play "Steel Magnolias" | |
1986 | Play produced at WPA Theater off-off-Broadway; moved to Lucille Lortel Theater off-Broadway | |
1987 | Ray Stark purchased screen rights to "Steel Magnolias" | |
1989 | Feature debut as screenwriter, "Steel Magnolias"; character of Shelby (Julia Roberts) was based on his sister | |
1991 | Wrote screenplay of ensemble comedy "Soapdish" | |
1996 | Made feature directorial debut with "The Evening Star," sequel to 1983 hit "Terms of Endearment"; also adapted screenplay from Larry McMurtry's novel | |
1996 | Penned screenplay of "The First Wives Club," starring Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton, and based on novel by Olivia Goldsmith | |
2004 | Wrote screenplay of romantic comedy "Laws of Attraction," starring Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore | |
2012 | Made TV series debut as creator and executive producer of "GCB" (ABC) | |