James L. Brooks

Personal Info

Birthday

May 9, 1940

(85 years old)

Place of Birth

North Bergen, New Jersey, USA

James L. Brooks

Biography

James Lawrence Brooks (born May 9, 1940) is an American director, producer, screenwriter and co-founder of Gracie Films. He co-created the sitcoms The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, and The Simpsons and directed the films Terms of Endearment (1983), Broadcast News (1987), and As Good as It Gets (1997).

He received numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards, 22 Emmy Awards, and a Golden Globe Award. Brooks started his career as an usher at CBS, going on to write for the CBS News broadcasts. He moved to Los Angeles in 1965 to work on David L.

Known For

The Simpsons

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Real Life

Modern Romance

Lost in America

Audience Research

Filmography

2025
Thank You Very Much
as Self
2024
Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
as Self
2023
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life
as Self
Being Mary Tyler Moore
as Self (voice)
2022
Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel
as Self
2019
Alan Pakula: Going for Truth
as Self
2016
Harry Benson: Shoot First
as Self
Mike Nichols: An American Master
as Self
2015
Misery Loves Comedy
as Self
2011
Hans Zimmer: The Sound of Hollywood
as Self
James L. Brooks: A Singular Voice
as Self (archive footage)
2008
The Making of 'Bottle Rocket'
as Self
2007
Dreams on Spec
as Self
2004
Jack Nicholson: The Joker Is Wild
as Self
2000
The Simpsons: America's First Family
as Self
1998
The Director's Vision: Hollywood's Best Discuss Their Craft
as himself
1985
Lost in America
as Party Guest (uncredited)
1981
Modern Romance
as David
1979
Real Life
as Driving Evaluator
1976
Audience Research
as Paul Reynold